BY SANTI GABINO JR.
When you think of gospel music, the first image that most likely comes to mind is that of groundbreaking songstress Mahalia Jackson. Apart from having a most difficult beginning, Jackson’s life often pivoted from awe-inspiring to tempestuous. Her unprecedented rise to fame will be the subject of Lavarious Slaughter’s encore presentation of How I Got Over: The Mahalia Jackson Musical at the Athens Theatre in DeLand.
After the recent sold-out performance of How I Got Over, this moving and wonderfully written musical will be in town once again and for one night only — at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 25.
PHOTOS COURTESY LAVARIOUS SLAUGHTER STUDIOS
Jackson was one of the first singers to perform gospel music outside of a traditional church setting. Her music, which always stayed true to its roots, became globally recognized and went on to sell millions of records, becoming especially popular in Europe and Asia. Jackson’s hits included “It’s No Secret,” “In the Upper Room” and “That’s What He’s Done for Me.”
Her later life would see Jackson become a key figure in the civil rights movement and a close, personal friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family. With her unmistakable voice and trademark style, she inspired generations of singers, including the likes of Aretha Franklin, Della Reese and Mavis Staples.
Tickets are available online at the Athens Theatre website (www.AthensDeLand.com), or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500. Box-office hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday, and 1 1/2 hours before live performances.
The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in Downtown DeLand.
