For Most People Mahalia Jackson Remains the Definitive Exponent of Gospel Music; She was the Vocal, Physical and Spiritual Symbol of Gospel Music. Poised Behind her Microphone Stand, Mahalia Fired her Big, Well-rounded Contralto Notes Into the World's Most Renowned Concert Halls, from New York' S Carnegie Hall, Via London's Royal Albert Hall to Amsterdam's Concertgebouw. Standing Four Square and Flat Footed, Hands Clasped Over her Abdomen, Mahalia Never Failed to Raise the Roof with her Soul, Grace and Compassion.