Mahalia Jackson

ClassificationsPhotographs-gelatin silver prints

DateJune 1961

MediumGelatin silver print on ektalure paper

Dimensions16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)

Object number87.6.44

DescriptionThis photograph of American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson was taken by photographer Leigh A. Wiener during rehearsal for the series "Mahalia Sings" and was used as the title photograph of the series, which won a Silver Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Wiener recalls the day the photo was taken:
"When we were introduced, the first thing Mahalia Jackson said to me was, 'Do you love what you do?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'I like what I do very much.' 'No! No! Do you LOVE what you do?' she repeated. Reflecting for a moment and realizing that I had been photographing people since I was eleven years old; and that it still gives me a great thrill, I then replied, 'Yes, I suppose I DO love what I do.'

Her eyes were almost glowing. 'Good! That's good! 'Cause I love to sing. And if you let me do what I love to do, I'l let you do what you love to do, we're gonna get along just fine!'"

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