Wifely regarded as the finest gospel singer in history, Mahalia Jackson could have excelled in almost any musical genre - although offered almost every financial enducement to record 'secular' music (a forerunner of soul), Mahalia rejected every overture in order to maintain her gospel career. That she should go on to become a major star by concentrating on gospel music when lesser talents were rising through the soul ranks says volumes about her abilities. This album gathers together 21 of her finest performances, perfomances that are still put up as the epitome of gospel music.