Mahalia Jackson, the prominent gospel singer, has revolutionized society’s relationship with gospel music.
The biopic is a journey through the star’s childhood trauma she has faced, as well as her ability to rise above it. Mahalia Jackson was someone who did not let her trauma define her. Mahalia’s resilience is an inspiration to all and a reminder of how prominent Black women are in spaces that are fascinated in capitalizing off of their greatest talents while leaving little to no room for them to have a say in these sound decisions. But in recognizing her power, her truth, and her talent, Mahalia knew how to stand her ground, exemplified the power of saying no, and journeyed to where she felt that things were right and will genuinely best serve her. The way we listen to and enjoy gospel music now, is all due to the value Mahalia has contributed to this soulful genre. Ledisi, who plays the leading role of the gospel mogul, talks more with the Knockturnal about the creation of the biopic, what she’s learned about the amazing gospel mogul, her experience on set, and so much more.
Here’s more of her thoughts below in this exclusive interview:
The Knockturnal: What was it like working with such an amazing cast and what was a typical day like on set, if you can describe that?
Ledisi: Well, we were filming during covid, and it was when I saw who I saw. I mainly saw whoever I was working with that day, like maybe Columbus Short or Wendy, and you know it wasn’t a bunch of people at once other than in the church scenes when I would have to perform, or in a store or different things outside. It was amazing that we even got through during a time that was right at the beginning of you know them letting people film things during covid. But I enjoyed the cast when I saw everyone and seeing their work in the trailers, it was amazing. Watching everybody, you know, take on the story. Janet is just phenomenal; Jaylin, Josie — and you know everybody. It’s too many people to name, but I loved working with Columbus Short a lot. Our chemistry on film is really fun, really brother and sister, off camera as well. I enjoyed working with him. I’ve been a fan of his work for a long time. I loved him in Cadillac records and he’s a phenomenal actor. So, I worked with him a lot during this film. And Wendy Raquel? Just an amazing actress!
The Knockturnal: What is it about Mahalia Jackson’s story that inspired you the most?
Ledisi: Just her drive, her passion for what she did. She was a businesswoman too. She didn’t play with her money. I love that part. She didn’t let anything get in the way of what she was focused on. She is very much New Orleans. I love that southern woman. And just her drive, her resiliency. It’s just beautiful. But her purpose and anointed in her voice, whatever she was going through, you didn’t see it. You know, she really just sang her face off. One of the most incredible, technical singers I’ve ever heard. But her feeling, her feeling is very New Orleans, and I loved her voice. I love, love, love her music. It made me love her more. I‘ll just say that. Just her drive.
The Knockurnal: Would you say that there are any similarities that you share between Mahalia and yourself?
Ledisi: I think the one thing that I share is just the resiliency to do no matter what’s going on to finish the work. She did her work. And that’s kind of what I do. I finish what I say I want to do. Usually, people talk about the things they want to do and they write it down and they half way get done, but if I see something I really want, I work hard to get towards that. And that’s what I loved about Mahalia. I saw her finish her work and I saw a lot against her. I mean being dropped from one label and then becoming a superstar and seeing how they treated her, she went on to take care of her business. You know what I mean? Very New Orleans! Tell me I can’t, and I’ll show you I can!
The Knockturnal: Yes. So, as we know, throughout the film, Mahalia has shown how selective she was about her voice and where she wanted it to be heard. There was even once a time where she had literally turned down a million dollars to stay true to her gospel roots. Have you ever had an experience similar to that where you were presented with an opportunity that you eventually turned down because you wanted to stay true to yourself and who you were?
Ledisi: I say no to a lot of stuff. I even said no to this film. You know what I mean. To make sure I am able to be authentic, meaning, “Can you do it?”, you know? Sometimes, I’ve said “yes” and it turned out to be the best thing for me, which was doing this film. So, I understand being careful of where you place yourself but that’s what I mean. She was particular and sometimes everything ain’t for you. And I can relate to that. I’ve definitely said no to a lot of things. And I’ve watched it come out and then gone “Ooo I’m so glad I didn’t do that”. But that’s everyday I’m saying no to stuff. Because when people really love you and they love what you bring, they know the profit of that, or they know the purpose of it or what it can do to be next to that light. And you have to be careful with where you put your light because you don’t know what you’re representing. So, I love that. But I know a million dollars is a lot of money. It’s a lot; I get it though.
The Knockturnal: So, during the creation of the film, was there anything about her that you didn’t know, or you were surprised to learn about?
Ledisi: I was surprised she hid money. I didn’t know that. I thought – Then again, it’s that time and era, you know what I mean? But I didn’t know she hid a lot of her money in her home, in places. That was cool to know. But all the other stuff, I had heard other stories about those things. But, yeah. I loved the friendship, the bond she had with Martin was really deep. I didn’t know how deep, but they were really close.
The Knockturnal: What’s one thing that you hope for viewers to take away from the film and actually learn?
Ledisi: Just to remember her. Remember her purpose and her anointment. How great her calling was, and she sacrificed a lot for it. Having a life and you know, she endured a lot to be Mahalia Jackson so I hope they learn more than they take away from it more, information about her and that’s all I can say. I can’t control what people get from the art; All I can do is do the art and you know, hope for the best.
Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story is set to premiere in select streaming platforms.
