A movie about Queen of Gospel, "Mahalia!" is based on the novel "Mahalia Jackson" by Darlene Donloe. During a time when gospel music was not as mainstream as it is today, Mahalia Jackson (Jill Scott) became one of the wealthiest and most powerful entertainers in the world. Known as the mentor and inspiration behind Aretha Franklin, Jackson rose from brutal poverty in New Orleans to become a platinum-selling artist. She was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and would continue to captivate audiences around the world, including presidents, kings, and queens, until her death in 1972.