"I close my eyes when I sing so I can feel the song better"

Mahalia Jackson, renowned as one of the greatest gospel vocalists, provides a profound insight into her artistry with the quote, "I close my eyes when I sing so I can feel the song better". This declaration encapsulates the profound connection in between psychological depth and musical efficiency.

Closing one's eyes is frequently related to self-questioning and concentration, a way to shut out external interruptions and get in touch with an inner world. For Mahalia Jackson, this act most likely acted as a technique to immerse herself entirely in the music. By cutting off the visual stimuli, she might focus more intensely on the music's psychological and spiritual subtleties, enabling a more extensive and sincere expression. This practice suggests a deep regard and reverence for the music she performed.

Gospel music, understood for its emotive power and spiritual roots, requires not simply singing ability but a genuine emotional connection. When Jackson closed her eyes, she may have been looking for communion with her spirituality, finding and communicating the soul of the song. This boosts the ability to communicate powerful feelings, transcending simple performance to provide an experience that resonates with both the singer and the audience.

Additionally, Jackson's method highlights the value of credibility in music. In a world where music can end up being commodified, her focus on feeling over external showmanship exemplifies a creative integrity that resonates with audiences. Her emphasis on feeling the song "much better" highlights her commitment to conveying real feeling and spiritual message, aspects important to gospel music.

In essence, Mahalia Jackson's basic act of closing her eyes while singing represents an extensive commitment to artistry and psychological credibility. It reflects her desire to connect deeply with her music and transfer that connection to her audience, making sure that each performance was not simply a display of singing expertise, but a wholehearted offering.