LG063 Interviews: Richard Yancey; Mary Ann Hooper, John Meston, Johnny Jackson, and Richard Yancey (LG063Goreau_Side1)
Description
Side 1: Interview with Richard Yancey. Interview with Mary Ann Hooper, John Meston, Johnny Jackson, and Richard Yancey at Meston-Hooper home in Sherman Oaks, 1972-09-23. Side 2: Interview with Mary Ann Hooper. Abstract for all interviewees: [06:13–30:45] On LG063Goreau_Side1, in this 1972 interview, Mary Ann Hooper, Richard Yancey, John Meston and Johnny Jackson are all interviewed together at Meston-Hooper home in Sherman Oaks. They speak conversationally, often laughing and talking over each other. Mary Ann Hooper discusses her time helping Mahalia organize her "Salute to Black Women" concert. Hooper recalls borrowing an office from a friend, where she ran up a bill of $2,000 in long-distance telephone calls while helping plan the event – 6:13. Hooper describes Jackson eagerly agreeing to perform at a benefit for the Committee of Responsibility, which provided free medical care in the United States for Vietnamese children. Jackson brought a great deal of excitement to the show, the audience of which had not been familiar with gospel music. Jackson spontaneously started a collection by retrieving a $100 bill from her bosom and passing a garbage can lid around to the crowd. Hooper then notes that at the end of the evening, Jackson got her $100 back – 25:40. [00:00-02:21] On LG063Goreau_Side2, Hooper recalls that later in Jackson's career, the singer had very little exposure and publicity. Hooper remembers urging Jackson to take some time off and rest. Jackson refused, saying that "you can't stop singing or else they'll think you can't."