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A woman in a light-colored dress stands clapping on stage, while another woman in a dark dress sits at a piano. A man speaks into a microphone behind a podium with flowers on it. The setting appears to be a church or hall.
Mahalia Jackson standing in front of a microphone; ca. 1954; photographic print possibly by Sam Rosenberg The William Russell Jazz Collection at the Historic New Orleans Collection, acquisition made possible by the Clarisse Claiborne Grima Fund, MSS 520.3286.1
23rd Annual Bill Russell Lecture

Mahalia Jackson

The Queen of Gospel Music

April 20, 2022, 6–7 p.m.

Williams Research Center
410 Chartres Street

With a career spanning 40 years, Mahalia Jackson is widely considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. She was a trailblazer whose devotion to God and singular voice changed gospel music forever. For the 23rd annual Bill Russell lecture, Dr. Mark Burford, Dr. Valerie Francis, and vocalist Andaiye Alimayu present a night of lecture and music to celebrate Jackson’s extraordinary life and career.

Watch the Lecture

Watch and listen to Andaiye Alimayu perform at the 23rd Annual Bill Russell Lecture.
A man stands at a podium speaking, with a black and white historical photo projected in the background. The venue is labelled The Historic New Orleans Collection.
A speaker presents a slideshow in a dimly lit auditorium filled with seated attendees. The audience watches intently, and portraits hang on the walls. A person stands at the podium, while another sits on stage next to a piano.
A group of people joyfully celebrating with a woman in a white dress at the center. They are smiling, clapping, and appear to be in a festive mood, set in a room with chairs and columns.
Photos by Amber Johnson, HNOC

Speakers & Performers

Dr. Mark Burford

Dr. Valerie Francis

Andaiye Alimayu

Vocalist

Support

The Bill Russell Lecture is sponsored by
The Derbes Foundation

The William Russell Jazz Collection

The work of a prolific jazz collector, producer, historian, and photographer comprises one of HNOC’s largest collections related to New Orleans jazz.

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An elderly man stands in a dimly lit room holding a small blue and white bird in one hand. He is wearing a light-colored shirt and dark pants. Cardboard boxes are stacked in the background.

Past Lectures

Friday
May 8, 2026
5–7 p.m.
Courtyard Sessions

Catie Rodgers and Her Swing Orchestra Featuring Lena Prima

HNOC kicks off its Courtyard Sessions concert series with a tribute to the Great American Songbook.
French Quarter Fridays, Concert, America 250
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Catie Rodgers Swing Orchestra
Saturday
April 18, 2026
1–4 p.m.

Cosimo at 100: The Sound That Shaped New Orleans

Join HNOC and host Nick Spitzer for a discussion and birthday celebration honoring legendary New Orleans music producer Cosimo Matassa.
Panel Discussion, Reception
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Cosimo Matassa at Jazz Fest in 1986.
Thursday
April 16, 2026
2–4:30 p.m.

“Tierra Sagrada” Film Screening and Q&A

HNOC and Postmambo Studies copresent “Tierra Sagrada,” a thrilling documentary offering a rare look at Afro-Cuban music and cultural traditions.
Film
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Film still of Cuban drums from "Tierra Sagrada." Courtesy of Ned Sublette
Wednesday
April 15, 2026
6–7:30 p.m.
27th Annual Bill Russell Lecture

Syncopated Siblings: The Music of Cuba and New Orleans

Hear the shared musical legacy of Cuba and New Orleans in this lecture and concert featuring author and historian Ned Sublette, joined by legendary percussionist Bill Summers and his supergroup, CUBANEXION.
Signature Program, Lecture, Concert
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View of a Cuban folk dance where a man dances among women wearing floor length dresses and holding tamborines.
Saturday
April 11, 2026
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Community Day

Community Day: Music at the Museum

Join us for live music, gallery talks, and hands-on activities at our annual day of family fun.
Community Day
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20250412 MIH Community Day KM017
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