Part 2, Sound and the Mainstream, Section 3 Summary and Analysis

This section contains four relatively brief essays, each examining the artistry, career, and context of a Negro musician/entertainer.

"As the Spirit Moves Mahalia" (published 1958). This essay is written in praise of the renowned Negro singer Mahalia Jackson, and as an analysis of her work. Following a brief introduction, in which the author celebrates the transcendent, humanist power of certain female singers (see "Quotes", p. 214), the author briefly sums up Jackson's life (following the traditional folk-tale path of Negroes moving from the South to the North). He then delves deeply into an analysis of her technique, which he describes as unique to Negro singers in that she, and they, draw upon a wide variety of sounds and inspirations to create their music (see "Quotes", p. 216). He comments on how her music...