with King, she saw herself playing a role in changing America. King enriched Mahalia and encouraged her to become more politically involved and make her voice be heard. She acquired responsibility beyond her image as a gospel singer. She definitely lived a very full life.(2) On November 22, 1963, the nation watched in amazement, as one or more sharpshooters gunned down the President. Mahalia felt it was her duty to perform on TV for this sad occasion and sang ?Nearer My God to Thee?. At this point, Mahalia was fifty-one and her health began to be undermined. Mahalia traveled abroad from Europe to the Middle East, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and finally Israel, the Holy Land. Some of her final trips included India, Japan and Europe once more. When she returned home, Columbia records began to worry about her health and scheduled multiple recording sessions figuring the day was nearing when she would become too sick to continue recording. The world was changing along with many people?s views. Martin Luther King called upon Mahalia when he was in need of help. He knew that Mahalia had a strong alliance with Chicago City Hall and Mayor Daley and he wished to make an appearance with the help of Mahalia?s connections in Chicago. This event was set for May 27. By 1968, President Johnson?s ?Great Society? was falling apart. The thoughts that ran through Kings head at this time would make one consider him a dangerous man. 1968 was a double nightm...
