How Martin Luther King Went Off Script in 'I Have a Dream'

Former Martin Luther King, Jr. adviser and speechwriter Clarence B. Jones talks to WSJ's Monika Vosough about how Martin Luther King's favorite gospel singer Mahalia Jackson helped create the "I Have a Dream" speech. (Photo: AP)

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[serenitycarlos]

To see Sister Mahalia Jackson at 1:57 is such an inspiration. Had always heard that she shouted out to him, but that look! She was all in! She threw her whole self into the fight with Dr. King. Not afraid of losing money or fans. When you serve God and not money, you can take a stand!

[cedricdean]

The great gospel singer Malhalia Jackson shouted tell them about the dream. She was a wise woman. He changed his speech because of her
Thank sister jackson.

[lynnwolf]

Did you know an ANGEL reminded Dr. King of "Who He Is", shouting "Tell 'em about the Dream Martin...!!!"  - THE Speech was all from the heart.  Dr King, thereafter, spoke from the HEART!!!!.   The Angels around us are "US".   When we remind each other who we are, everything we do together is created with Peace, LOVE & Light!    Love Your Neighbor!  

[dale]

I listen to this speech every year. What a great man. Totally God led in his mission.

[thegoodfight]

It was a rehearsed sermon that he had given at church times before. Mahalia Jackson had heard that speech or sermon before and that’s what she knew clearly MLK should tell in that moment. The beauty of the story behind the the story is we all owe Mahalia Jackson for that moment. She had sung a very haunting gospel song just before… MLK s dream was about us all and that is what we should remember. It is a speech about unity!

[princes.qkarbedeh]

This guy is inspirational to me, I love him than all that I have. He is my Hero and Role Model.

[cnsuela]

"Tell them about the dream" 🙏🏾❤️✊🏿

[junebyrdbrown]

I am blessed to be getting old and able to know that I helped make history.

[motorcoachgirl]

I’m crying in my living room right now! Thank you for my ancestors ❤️

[TheJackflash]

I am 58 and for the record, I am a white man from Raleigh, NC - I was a yr and half old. MLK is a life long hero of mine. Much of the dream has come to pass. There are still miles to go. My dream is for us all to be free at last ~

[misterredcliffe]

My Father told me in 2015 that she is my grandfather’s cousin. It’s amazing to hear stories of her impact

[LearningbyWilliam]

"With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand for freedom together, knowing that we will be free, one day" - Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

[Krifko]

Fascinating stuff. A true oratory genius. MLK had such massive charisma it could swallow you up. As a European, I always wondered if MLK's speaking style was based on Southern US style preaching or whether it is truly unique to him as a person.

[msladybirddream]

Martin Luther King Jr, ❤was a beautiful soul, preacher. The man spoke from the heart. I have a dream speech was the greatest speech ever done!❤ No fake talk what we hear today. Everyone should be thankful that someone like Martin Luther King Jr existed in this world. 👏🏿 ❤ and I for one wished someone like him still existed still today, God only knows we need it!.. R.I.P 🤴🏿❤

[frannyzooey]

Did you know Dr. King got a C in speech ? Wanna know why I like Dr. King so
much ? He never wavered from his stance on non-violence. Violence sucks.

[juliereed]

He doesn't need a script he's amazing

[justinwelch]

Happy MLK Day America! Amazing!! God moved upon his servant.

[louisianaredd]

I have always believed Dr. Martin Luther King was a prophet called and sent by the sovereign God in heaven to do his work anointed by God. His dream of what he spoke was a vision God gave him that has manisfested, yet we've have not yet seen it's completion.

[ndles]

Outstanding story. Absolutely electric.

[janemay]

We make our plans but God directs our actions