Queen of Gospel Music and as an inspiration and influence to future generations. These Christmas songs benefit from her powerful phrasing and unrestrained enthusiasm which easily transform an old English madrigal ("What Child Is This?") into something deeply felt from her own difficult upbringing. A stylist of the highest order, Jackson infused everything she sang with a majestic sweep that made her one of the most important voices of her day. --Rob O'Connor  (less)

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.  (less)