Steal Away-Mahalia Jackson & Nat King Cole from Emeless

Mahalia Jackson and Nat King Cole sing on his television show in 1957. Hard to believe either one of them would steal anything with such angelic voices. Enjoy!

[@mcclendonreport]

Martin Luther King once said of Mahalia Jackson: "such a singer only comes along once in a millenium." Her voice still stirs the soul.

[@grantsmythe8625]

And Dr. King was right.

[@scottkratochwill8609]

Last night she was introduced to me. I'm blown away. She brought me closer to god

[@acertiger591]

Hallelujah 🙌 Aloha = ❤ BigIsleHawaii Most.Southern by Gods Grace. Hallelujah

[@debbiekerr3989]

At the age of 9 my uncle took me to hear this amazing woman sing. I still get overwhelmed when I hear her.

[@ShowSheezy26]

@@mcclendonreport please listen to the masterpiece Yuno Miles - Martin Luther King 🙏🏽

[@ericwilliams1544]

Dr. King and Mahalia meet before his 1964 speech in Washington DC. He told her about a dream he had the night before. As Dr. King started speaking at the March on Washington in 1964 he started to struggle. Mahalia was seated close to him and shouted to him, "tell em about the dream". Dr. King nodded and gave his I Have A Dream speech. God Bless All Of You!!! SANG MAHALIA!!!!!

[@KevinJohnson-ws1nh]

1963

[@cathydoves]

@@KevinJohnson-ws1nh True. I was a few months old!

[@OLDSCHOOLGOSPEL9999]

I was paralyzed in bed last year and I heard Jesus say out loud to me - If you believe in me get up and walk💜🕊💜 I got up and not only walked but went for a walk outside. Praise God!!!!! GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING!!!! ✌💜🕊🙏

[@CCm11575]

@@OLDSCHOOLGOSPEL9999 thank you for your testimony

[@haleymast1947]

@@OLDSCHOOLGOSPEL9999 tell us more! That sounds like an incredible experience!!!

[@wandaburwell3026]

@@OLDSCHOOLGOSPEL9999 thank you Jesus

[@TheAngieIshmael]

@OLDSCHOOLGOSPEL9999 praise God!!!! He is so amazing and alive!!!!!!

[@jayonnaj18]

Praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He is a MIRACLE WORKER! I am rejoicing with you, dear @OLDSCHOOLGOSPEL9999! In Jesus Name I LOVE YOU with the LOVE OF JESUS!!!😊❤To God be the GLORY!!!

[@pirjo-riittasavinen4903]

Mahalia Jackson you sound my grandmother 🏀Person who teached us to pray.Here in Finland.Strongest woman I know.Beautiful.InGodITrustThank You

[@barbarawalters1234]

An angel we lost too early.

[@Anahutch1]

My mother loved Mahalia Jackson. Some tried to get her to sing secular music but Mahalia would only sing for the Lord. She is now singing with the angels.

[@mylesburris3063]

Lawwd have mercy! I wish I could steal her vocal cords (perhaps just borrow for about a year, and then return to her unscathed) absolutely HEAVENLY ! MAHALIA! MAHALIA! MAHALIA!!!! Sing to the chillin Chile! Sing to the chillin!!!!!

[@mylesburris3063]

Today is June 22nd 2018

[@molincreative817]

Not at all! He died and waiting for 2nd coming of christ!

[@effablehoney6021]

The dictionary says "secular music and religious music were the two main genres of Western music in the Middle Ages" so I'm going to right ahead and calling that distinction kind of outdated

[@mcdermottbrown]

My father introduced me to Mahalia Jackson. She’s just incredible. It’s so wonderful to listen to her. And how special to have the fabulous Nat King Cole!

[@caraphyllis]

This was almost like a private moment of prayer between the two of them, and we got to listen in. So sweet.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

The history of blacks in America is one of resilience and strength in the face of great evil. Much respect to my black brothers and sisters, from across the pond.

[@kithkin01]

TheMusicZone and we will make it one day

[@LondonSambaDancerBellydancer]

TheMusicZone amen

[@jocelynspencer79]

we r a trillion dollar people. our worth, more than.

[@skewings891]

Thank you for saying that. It means more than you know to hear our own brothers and sisters from Africa actually care. Most people on the planet hate us and they have no idea why even. Thank you ✊✊and peace and blessings to you

[@bootsnsaddle8289]

@@skewings891 Do NOT play the "Victim", "Race" or ANY OTHER 'card' you can think of. You TOTALLY dishonor the people who do NOT pull out the 'card game' at EVERY instance it will benefit you. I NEVER HAVE. My Parents brought us to show our worth, earn our living and NOT depend on others for our WORTH !!

[@cc_ysd]

She was my grandmothers musical inspiration, sadly she passed away 2 days ago. Rest in peace grandmother 😢

[@Motionis]

Sending you strength ☘️

[@bevill72able]

I dont know you but May your grandmother RIP. I'm sorry for your loss. May The Beautiful, Loving Sovereign and All Powerful Lord God Bless you and your family with comfort and strength during this time, in His Most Beautiful, Loving, Powerful and Only Saving Son, King Jesus Worthy Name! Amen

[@gato0082]

✝️❣️🙏Condolences, dnt worry ur grandmother will nvr leave u 🙏💞💞💜❣️🕊️🕊️🕊️rip✝️

[@mothersloanxavier7278]

I'm sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. I'm sending blessings your way! May she rest in peace.

[@sshark6890]

Bless you!🛐 Sit in this song and let the music give you a hug like your grandmother would as she is in Jesus arms for eternity.✝️

[@82jfrizz]

This may just be my opinion, but whenever I see footage of Mahalia singing, she looks as if she is staring directly into the bosom of Jesus. Lord, bless her powerful ministry and memory. This is a classic duet if ever there was one. Bless God!

[@monicanixon5140]

Cant add to that. Amen!♡°•~

[@justwannagrill8548]

Terrible that most modern African Americans fall away from God, all Americans actually. It's time to return to the church and reject the comfortable degeneracy that every major institution conditions us to partake in

[@monicanixon5140]

@Veronica Smith and you know what? I believe she protected that...

[@susancallhutchison7986]

So beautiful. Ms Jackson drew every ounce of feeling out of that song. I loved how Mr. Cole sang with her. He was so obviously deferring to her, letting her lead, and using his own magnificent voice to support hers. What a duet!

[@02waltercoverin71]

Hi Susan hope you’re okay?

[@lindawhite1943]

Yes, you're right. He surely was letting her lead. Just a beautiful song from heaven.

[@Wookietrix]

Mahalia Jackson actually earned the Nobel Peace Prize post mortem. With singing, none has ever brought peace and joy into the world

[@Emeless]

Thank you for reminding me of this fact. Wonderful!

[@christineshaw6173]

As a child Mahalia Jackson would bring the Holy Spirit upon me when I would play the record player with her rendition of Holy Holy Holy. I'd play the song over and over and over again. The power of God fall on this poor little 11 year old white girl.

[@ajessm]

She's gorgeous and what a voice. She sings from the heart and I listened to every single note. I'm gad I found this video. I'm sure she will be singing with the angels.

[@barbaraireland6053]

Mahalia looks like she's in an altered state... She really taps into spirit...! And Nat... wow always a gift to hear that gorgeous, velvety voice.

[@02waltercoverin71]

Hi Barbara hope you’re okay?

[@SomeoneHasToSayIt2525]

A newspaper writer once said to Mahalia, "I never believed in God, but when you sing it gives me goose bumps." Mahalia replied, "Those ain't no goose bumps...that's your soul speaking and you don't even know it's there." Testify sister and Steal Away. One of my favorites, lots of good versions, I recommend Dionne Warwick's and The Rev. James Cleveland and of course Nat's solo version and entire Gospel album are simply as good as it gets.

[@Moussafoster]

And steal away they both did. RIP Ms. Mahalia and Mr. Nat ....

[@DianeWeathersby]

Simply look at this woman's eyes as she sings.

[@colleenengelmann7896]

The Heart and Soul of God and the Angels

[@johnmaidment6728]

THAT"S ANNOINTING FROM GOD ALMIGHTY MAHALIA HAD IT

[@pageljazz]

Nat--the great, amazing genius, Nat King Cole--seems utterly humbled by her. I mean, Nat's one of my heroes, but he could tell there she was living on another plane.

[@JudahCub1981]

Nat King Cole [born Nathaniel Adams Coles] was the son of Rev. Edward Coles a Baptist minister in Chicago, Ill. So he was acquainted with Mahalia, who by the 1950s was already a superstar in the Black American community because of the success of “Move On Up A Little Higher” and her constant touring of the Black Church or Gospel circuit. Mahalia was like royalty to so many people back then and now.

[@pageljazz]

@@JudahCub1981 She's definitely royalty to me!

[@pageljazz]

@n a t e f r m b k l y n I get what you're saying. Nat was an entertainer, but he was also an artist, and there are recordings of him that, while not heavy, are meant to be "serious". However, I think this is more than that... we'd expect him to join Mahalia at some point (pretty much standard protocol of music/variety shows back then), but in his voice as well as his face, I think there's a hint of "I'm out of my league here." Nat, as I said, is one of my heroes--a real genius--but I don't think he could reach the same spiritual or emotional depths as Mahalia. Or maybe he felt Mahalia's performance was perfect, and any addition he would make would be unnecessary at best. But I do sense just the slightest discomfort in his performance. It could be my in my imagination, of course. In any case, it's a fascinating bit of music history. We're lucky it's still available to see!

[@mic982]

A priceless video of two of the world's greatest singers, together, live. Wow,

[@1980scagle]

Speechless

[@TWLJr1286]

Our Father is so wonderful. Amazing how He can use a small clip and song that is 55 years young, as this one, and still Minister a Blessing to His people. I truly believe that Both Mahalia & Nat are singing in the Heavenly Choir, praising our God, Amen!

[@TheAngieIshmael]

🙏🏽

[@margrettalee8803]

I'm. going on 67 years old, and I've never gotten the spiritual emotions like i do, when i hear mahilia jacksons voice, that was a lady that made you feel the holy spirit. That was the only person that i remember. that. didn't. mix religion with the worlds. music. i want to give the lord the glory for having her on earth for the time we did. thank you Jesus

[@enossantosbezerra1100]

indeed surely !!!!!!!

[@kithkin01]

Margretta Lee you're 67 and still don't know how to use a comma? Lord gimme strength

[@dianeashmore2597]

AMEN AMEN..I CRY LISTING TO HER,,GLORY..

[@19884161]

And Leo, whatever age you may be; there is no excuse for your lack of consideration. This is not English 101.

[@bufb]

@@19884161 Amen to that just listen

[@TheMICHELL54]

Now this is singing from the soul! Mahalia Jackson is one of my favorite Gospel singers. To pair Nat King Cole with Mahalia Jackson is genius! Thank the Good Lord for them.

[@normanrappaport6683]

A SINGER LIKE MAHALIA ONLY COMES ALONG ONCE IN A LIFETIME. SHE WAS BORN TO GLORIFY THE LORD. SHE LIVED HER LIFE AS A TRUE BELIEVER. WILL SEE YOU IN THE AGE OF THE MESSIAH.😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@blackmetalgran7279]

You can tell she lives and loves what she sings. Such a treasure.

[@randihenderson7750]

I'm 28 and this song period draws my spirit to tears I'm sitting here crying because its all true, and Id love to steal away to my Jesus.

[@Emeless]

Randi Henderson Go ahead close your eyes and quiet your mind and you will find Jesus right there! Bless you.

[@shirleywilson4932]

love your Mrs mahllia Jackson and Nat king cole

[@Ellavella]

Grew up in Europe where Mahalia put her mark on my heart. Now at 53 this is what brings me back. She continues to trigger an emotional response from the depth of my spirit. What an honour to have had the pleasure of her being in my life. Thank you very much.

[@tabithaaaron3754]

When music meant something. Praise God.

[@02waltercoverin71]

Hi Tabitha hope you’re okay?

[@InnocentQumbisa-xo4kv]

She sings it from her heart

[@gregwagner7550]

I'm crying ,moved to tears

[@Emeless]

We are not meant to live forever, but thank god that Mahalia and other greats listened to that voice that said: "take your talent and go forth into the world" and the results were captured on the miracle of film and sound recording for all of us to enjoy and be inspired by. Thanks for your comments!

[@TheAngieIshmael]

Our souls are eternal! May we all make ourselves ready to stand before our Creator on Judgement Day 🙏🏽

[@68NYC2]

1957- Wow...Thanks for posting this

[@Ellavella]

Grew up in Europe where Mahalia put her mark on my heart. Now at 53 this is what brings me back. She continues to trigger an emotional response from the depth of my spirit. What an honour to have had the pleasure of her being in my life.

[@greeneyes0078]

When she sings and looks up - it is as if she is singing to God sitting on his throne.

[@therocher]

Thats pure gospel soul right there from the heart! its amazing!

[@SistahKenya]

Amazing!! The annointing upon this sister still yet lives.. Praise Most high! Thank you Ms. Jackson for serving our God to the fullest with your gift of song.. Praise YHWH!

[@choleyd]

I love this song... a woman from the islands used to sing this in my Baptist church when I was a kid.

[@NellieKAdaba]

Nice

[@michaelnunes5129]

This will melt away any darkness on your doorway.

[@eagleswing44]

Absolutely beautiful! I can't help but be reminded of how many of these saints have gone on before us. What a magnificent gift they left behind.

[@kenlyotier8975]

Blessed to be alive in a time when the spirit of these wonderful people can reach into my heart. Thank you.

[@barbarasibils1323]

Ken Lyotier

[@spiritualops1855]

She was an angel!

[@annehamilton8190]

So Beautiful..........Two of the greatest legends ever!

[@margaretalarson7742]

Wonderful, Thank you!!

[@warmkable]

oh my god. this just brought tears to my eyes. beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

[@luciechapello1008]

Two of the greatest voices of any generation.

[@grazynamagorzata8596]

I love her voice, nowbody is like Mahalia :)

[@happyswim1836]

Can I give this two thumbs up? Two of my favorite singers. Beautiful voices!

[@gracecadet3244]

As always Mahalia's gifted voice and emotionally raw delivery sent my spirit straight to the angels, Nat's soft almost lullaby-like accompaniment was so respectful and poignant, and the genuine tenderness between them as they clasped hands was a blessing to see. This song touches my heart in a way few others have. Thank you so much for sharing. Be blessed 🙏💜

[@mickwilbury4572]

Thank you, thank you so much

[@marythompson8633]

Awesome🙏🏻

[@stand4righteous]

Beautiful. M/s. Jackson was one of a kind. RIP

[@Lilidia]

Always I am impressed with the quality of these recordings! What wonder! God was happy, I think!

[@deborahfrazier9887]

Glory to the king of kings,

[@JayBohringer]

Clearly a priceless masterpiece of two great singing legends singing together live. The song about freedom in Jesus and heaven. It gives us hope that He lives and walks with us. "I aint got long to be here" (earth) to experience heaven. Comforting to all to have hope and trust in Jesus! God bless this angel of God and her beautiful voice and message.

[@candidarose]

How beautiful!!! God Blessed them both with angelic voices. I know that they are continuing to sing in the heavenly choir. May they continue to Rest In Peace.

[@foodnetflix1200]

Such a beautiful song that reminds us to be happy because we're free now😍😍 I'm black and I'm proud💪🏾❤️❤️ Amazing voices😍

[@osocool1too]

Bibi Sissoko good for you Bibi..color should never have been part of any equation. We are all human beings trying to live together. Here in Australia we try to excel in blending in together . Have a good day 🇦🇺

[@foodnetflix1200]

Steven Heywood Exactly💯 Have a good day too

[@LEOLEO-mg5cl]

I commend you for trying to live a life without racism, but I have heard many aussies say racist things about the aborigines.

[@ClaudeSinclair]

Harriett Tubman sings this song as a code to let Africans know it is time to get the hell out of that bondage. Long live the memory of the great revolutionary Miss Harriett Tubman

[@hockemeyer1]

I never missed Nat King Cole's tv show. I was 9 years old when this particular show was on. Nat King Cole and Mahalia Jackson were two of my favorite singers when I was young. I really miss the musical talent of that era. Why does there seem to be so little of the talent today?

[@traviscarter1023]

Today different I think that its still out there it's just hard to find. Like music has changed so much from even the 90s . But nowadays they trying to make someone sound good. You don't really know what a artist can do anymore. What I just witness up on stage was greatness.

[@funkyratfink]

I think He's showing us not to take it for granted. He is the one that enables the technology to work so we can continue to enjoy his gifts. Today's talent is different and not at the level as previous generations. There are stars and standouts, but the sheer volume of our musical past is mind-boggling. All those greats of the past will live on for us to treasure and hopefully inspire present and future talent.

[@violet2048]

So beautiful, brings tears to my eyes and my heart in my throat. Thank you so much for posting this. Such dear sweet people.

[@mountainoceankath]

How incredibly beautiful and powerful - I was practically holding my breath as I felt the power of Mahalia's voice and depth of the feeling she put into this song seeping into my own soul. I need another dose of Mahalia Jackson right now... Thanks, Emeless, for finding and posting these treasures.

[@nicolejttmom6061]

Thank you for posting this. I can imagine them in Heaven singing.

[@33uptempo]

When Nat Cole was on TV, we would never miss a show. I had all his 78s (yes, I'm pretty old!), and still have all his LPs, including the various trio incarnations and when he played on Jazz at the Philharmonic under the name "Shorty Nadine". Pure genius, teamed with the heavenly Mahalia Jackson. Some music will last way past our lifetimes, thanks to people who post it on the web. I'm most grateful.

[@cambodiaism]

Music I grew up with!

[@dmck8615]

I am so fortunate that these two lovely, talented souls blessed us with their talent. The Light of YHWH pleated from Him through them to uplift all of us. Praise God!

[@1mommas]

Most folks don't know it was Mahalia who told Dr. King to "tell them about the dream Martin" and the "I had a dream" speech was then made after her suggestion. This great lady was forgotten by most as the speech was recorded right after she gave him the idea and not many saw her say these words. She loved her lord.

[@stmsmoot1]

Beautiful.

[@capatga]

her voice always sends chills down my spine , just imagine someone from New Orleans not doing jazz

[@pammyb6219]

Nice to see this is still available to view. Two classy, and historic people of that time.

[@cherylwilder7369]

Can you just imagine meeting them in heaven...what a blessing Praise Jesus

[@lloydgray1217]

just heard of this singer via another singer;;great vocals

[@michaelpowell9541]

Thanks Emeless for this video. 2 singers that I could listen to all day everyday.

[@christthelord91]

How awesome, that she had a lot of secular artists singing about the name of Jesus with her! To God be the Glory!

[@cgreenartpro1]

I have this with Nat King Cole on a Old Cassette tape recorded in 1987 from WHAT radio..

[@kotaro797]

my respect I hear this song.. amazing gospel musical.. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤

[@patriciapierre1873]

Steal Away was one of my Dads favorite Songs......Precious Memories

[@Caspider2010]

Beautiful!!

[@unnaturalselection8330]

As a singer, whenever I'm letting the voice go from a purr to a roar, I ALWAYS think of Miss Mahalia. Her confidence stepping up to the plate was absolutely formidable.

[@PeterK11000]

she is singing in heaven,she mooved me to tears

[@extorwellness]

Thanks,Mitchel,God bless you and all you might endeavor.I used to sing in an American HOLY GHOST gospel choir when Americans were still stationed here and that was the BEST TIME IN MY LIFE-I miss it so..

[@Havhestur]

beautiful...

[@StefanPigford-r9w]

Those wer some good times . THIS IS TRULY INSPIRING 💪❤....We need those times to come back all ppl😢💗

[@chinouyamale]

A favorite for the rest of my life!

[@writerteacher1]

My mother has gone home but she's also still with me. "Steal away home." And thank you.

[@hammersmom]

That was awesome! I'm standing by... :)

[@ecoflame]

I watched a video of Marvin Gaye singing the National Anthem - gave me chills AND made me cry. Mahalia Jackson's voice is FIERCE!

[@wheniamhome]

Love. I love Mahalia. Also Nat King Cole. Two of the greatest singers. Thank you.

[@CraigFrancisSoto]

I agree with the above comments.Her voice gives me chills. Her voice was beautiful and conveyed such emotion. In my opinion,she had no equal.This is just marvellous.Thanks for sharing it.

[@ryry427]

Lord have mercy her voice is so strong and powerful!

[@charlesc470]

That anointing is rich, powerful, precious & priceless 😃💖

[@DaOrigTruthSeeker]

This was simply divine. I loved every second of it.

[@slopmop1]

gives me the chills whenever she sings.......

[@montellia]

Mahalia is my favorite Gospel singer. I listen to her every night(Internet,CD, DVD or video tape) She soothes my soul. It's like I've died and gone to Heaven. It's like she is in the room giving me a big hug.Her singing comforts me so much that I can go to sleep and not even know when I went. This video is another example of her powerful soul stirring voice and her ability to connect with the people that listen to her music. Thanks montellia60

[@claudejohnson2729]

My Grandma us to play Mrs. Mahalia music on her old record player.when I heard the sound of her voice,at 9 or 10 years old, I would just stop to listen, I knew then this lady was singing something very special, I didn't understand then but once I got older, I knew the songs l heard from mother Mahalia we're her singing to the Lord and for the Lord.l then begun to thirst for the knowledge of God.

[@Emeless]

Very nice story mine was so similar. When I seen and heard Mahalia for the first time I got goosebumps. I then sought to find everything I could about Mahalia buying any albums I could find and reading books on her life. Hearing the Gospel lead me to a deep belief and faith in God. And that's how it's done .

[@steviedepaoli2717]

I love the way he held her hand while they sang, it showed the admiration he had for her.

[@Nina513]

Speechless.... Melanin MAGIC! ✨

[@lindabethune4369]

No one sings like this lady This gentleman.

[@sirfultonbishop]

Having some church!

[@SASSNCLASS82]

Bring tears of joy to my eyes every time!!!

[@traviscarter1023]

I never thought I would see this perfect combo . It's no better than this Nat king Cole voice was like magic to me . And to be on stage with the late greatness of Ms Jackson was something different.

[@KevinJohnson-ws1nh]

"Steal away" is a historical coded phrase that means to steal time. During enslavement, African Americans sometimes ran away only temporarily to deal with the stress of enslavement. After a period of hours or days, they'd return and claim they were lost or something like that in attempt to escape punishment. Jackson and Cole are singing a spiritual that has its origins in the 1840s or even earlier.

[@RobbieRidley]

Still today Ms. Mahalia voice gives me chills.

[@jesusislord3321]

When listening to Mahalia sing, it takes you into another realm spiritually. It draws you to The King if Kings, and Lord of Lords. If you weren't saved, it drew you to God to get saved. Whatever state you were in, whatever you needed this music just drew you to the Master. She was truly anointed by God. We need that back in today's gospel music.