Come on Children Let's Sing: Great Songs of Love and Faith

Mahalia Jackson

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 11, 2004)
• Original Release Date: May 11, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collectables
• ASIN: B000244F46
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #113,757 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Born in New Orleans, the home of blues and Dixieland music, Mahalia Jackson heard only sacred music at home. Further inspired by the music of Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, Jackson was to become the greatest gospel singer ever. These two albums, originally released by Columbia in the early 1960s, feature Jackson backed by the Falls-Webb ensemble (on "Come On Children...") and the orchestra and chorus of Johnny Williams (on "Great Songs..."). In 1962, Mahalia Jackson was awarded a Grammy in the Sacred/Inspirational/Religious category for the "Great Songs Of Love And Faith" album.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An odd pairing., May 25, 2004

By	T. A. Shepherd "tas50l" (Palmdale, Ca. 93550) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The 1960 release of "Come On Children, Let's Sing" would be a 5-star rating by itself, since it is a Gospel recording true to Ms. Jackson's tradition. Songs like "One Step", "The Christian's Testimony" and Tom Dorsey's "If We Ever Needed The Lord Before" are landmarks of the Christian Faith. The style of Mahalia's singing here is consistant with her earlier recordings for Apollo Records and she is backed by her regular pianist Mildred Falls along with Willie Webb (Roberta Martin Singers) on organ and a righteous rhythm section of James Rainey (guitar), Aaron Bell (bass) and Osie Johnson (drums). But here's where the fun ends. "Songs of Love And Faith" is a typical left curve Columbia Records was famous for throwing. Although Mahalia tackles the god-awful material like a pro (eg. Dinah Washington, Billie Holliday), it is clear she is not comfortable with it. Why Collectibles didn't pair up "Great Gettin' Up Mornin'" or "Make A Joyful Noise" with the first album, is beyond belief.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New frontiers, November 10, 2004

By	William V. Cleland "Bill Cleland" (Winchester, Indiana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I find no inconsistency with Mahalia's music whether with full orchestra or just the gospel backing. Her voice is magnificent in both albums. "Great Songs of Love and Faith" is well-done. She is in excellent voice. It is unfair to put Mahalia on a shelf and disregard the diversity of her recording efforts. No, this one is not gospel but, as the title indicates, it is faithful to her convictions. This album won an award (gold) at its time. Before her death, Mahalia planned to record the music of Israel and Hawaii also. Too bad she didn't live long enough. I love this CD and encourage anyone who loves this person to buy it and listen to great music. These are grand old favorites with the implicit Jacksonian touch.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty nice, September 14, 2004

By	Dwayne Lightsey Jr. (Maryland) - See all my reviews

Yes, COME ON CHILDREN, LET'S SING is an awesome album alone. I would agree that the pairing with GREAT SONGS OF LOVE AND FAITH is weird, but I'm glad that they were included together. It proves to the listener that Mahalia Jackson could do more than just yell, scream, and holler, like many feel that she does. Mahalia could handle it all. So this pairing shows the 'churchy' side of Mahalia and the romantic, operatic side of Mahalia, which still remains Christian.

I'm not too fond of GREAT SONGS OF LOVE AND FAITH, but several of the selections really minister to me. Songs like "My Friend," "I've Done My Work," "That's America To Me," and "The Green Leaves of Summer" are, in my opinion, the four best songs on that album. When I hear Mahalia sing "My Friend," it brings tears to my eyes. Such a blessed, angelic voice! Mahalia doesn't sound uncomfortable on GREAT SONGS OF LOVE & FAITH- it's just a new sound that many haven't been introduced to!