My uncle Lucius Curry knew Mahalia and I have met several people who knew her personally. They have all said that she was a real person with a beautiful personality. She would always be cooking that Louisiana food and talking her brand of southern wisdom.

Mahalia was a true strong black woman of the south. Her personality made her a real star that is still shining today. Many of the people who knew her came away with the sense that that they had met a very great person, who understood the common man. Even though, she sang for Kings and presidents, she never lost the loyalty and the touch of the everyday person. I wish I had got a chance to meet such a wonderful person as Mahalia.