12th day of Christmas

It's impossible to look at classic Gospel Music without including Mahalia Jackson. She was passionate about gospel music- so passionate and committed  that during the height of her career, she repeatedly stood up against pressure from husbands, managers and music industry heavyweights to transition her career from sacred to secular music, where she likely would have found greater fame and fortune. Facing considerable challenge throughout her life, she lent her powerful voice to the civil rights movement and set out to make a difference.

“Her voice is a heartfelt express of all that is most human about us—our fears, our faith, our hope for salvation,” David Ritz wrote in his liner notes for Mahalia Jackson: 16 Most Requested Songs. “Hope is the hallmark of Mahalia Jackson and the gospel tradition she embodies.”

The great thing about both Gospel Music is that it somehow lends itself to new interpretation- often, without seeming old or overused. This "new" version of this piece, sung by Casting Crowns, is much more contemporary but I love it the same.