Mahalia Jackson is undoubtedly the most admired and respected gospel singer and African American religious music artist in history. Considered a diva of the genre, she transcended being a prominent singer and performer; her religious and social commitment led her to participate in numerous advocacy activities alongside Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Despite collaborating with jazz greats like Duke Ellington, she never accepted offers to record or participate in projects within that genre, limiting herself to singing spiritual music and recording countless works within that style. Nominated for several Grammy Awards and winner of other prestigious prizes, her discography, while not extensive, is one of the richest and most fundamental in the history of gospel music, having resonated worldwide and cementing her status as one of the great icons of contemporary music.
Despite his short career, King Curtis was one of the most impressive saxophonists in American jazz. He played with iconic groups like Lionel Hampton's orchestra and was a major influence on the careers of Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding, among other prominent soul artists. His style, steeped in blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel, made him a versatile musician who moved brilliantly through the purest sounds of jazz, funk, and blues. Considered today one of the quintessential cult jazz performers, he left behind some of the most fundamental works of African American music, such as his magnificent live album "King Curtis Live at Fillmore West", recorded in early 1971 with his band His Soul Inc. A few months after this recording, King Curtis was murdered under mysterious circumstances after a heated argument with a man who was loitering near his Manhattan apartment late at night.
