In the 1960s when I was singing solo music at church and at home, there were no alto-rang voices to listen to on records. Then, somehow, one of Ms. Jackson's records came to our home. Her voice and style were remarkable. So different than the music I had heard in my little church.

My brothers and sisters and I always listened to music throughout the day, and so the albums we had of Mahalia were played over and over. I loved being able to sing the lead with a recording artist. Gradually I incorporated some of Mahalia's style in my singing style. I was very impressed with her devotion to God, that she did not pursue a lucrative, secular singing career because of personal convictions. She was a remarkable woman.

One of her standards, "If I Can Help Somebody" always brings tears to my eyes. I have shared her music with school students throughout my years as a teacher. She is a beautiful rolemodel for children, a woman who used her outstanding talent to better the spiritual lives of the people around her.