Tribute to Mahalia Jackson

Miss Lallye Wilson-Forbes grew up around Roberts Road east of Tallahassee in the early 30’s and 40’s, not far from MusicLand’s venue at the Land Co-op.  She is 88 years young (“just like the keys of a piano”), and a lifelong singer, writer and educator (Nims Middle School). She attended St Phillips AME at the corner of Bradfordville and Centerville Roads where she learned to sing.  She kept diaries and notebooks of her writings.  As a young girl she walked with friends on Proctor and Crump Roads and knows the area around the Land Co-op.  She has attended several concerts here at MusicLand.

She is a devotee of Mahalia Jackson and often sang selections of Mahalia’s classics at church and family events.  She was well known for her singing voice and, especially, the delivery of songs in Mahalia Jackson’s style.  The August 10th show is a tribute to Mahalia Jackson and Miss Lallye will be the primary vocalist with some vocal accompaniment by grandson Vonzel Reynolds and others and backed by a 3 piece jazz combo.