::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

By Mona Austin The woman who launched the careers of some of the most heralded gospel legends, the original Gospel Caravans--the late Rev. James Cleveland , Shirley Caesar , Inez Andrews and Dorothy Norwood--Albertina Walker has passed away. Held as the beloved  "Queen of Gospel," Chicago-born Walker, took the advice of her friend Mahalia Jackson and founded the legendary Caravans that evolved into worldwide acclaim in the 1950's.  The evergreen "Oh Mary Don't You Weep " became one of their greatest hits. In early September this year rumors of her death were widespread online, but Walker was in fact hospitalized for respiratory distress and later underwent a Tracheotomy surgery that was reportedly successful. From the ICU at a Chicago hospital, while connected to a ventilator, she assured her fans via Facebook on September 4:  "I am still here no matter what you have heard."  On September 17, Walker posted a message on www.alberti...