Mahalia Jackson

Biography

Mahalia Jackson (October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Charity Clark and Johnny Jackson, growing up in the Carrollton neighborhood under the strict religious guidance of her Aunt Duke. Raised in a devout Christian household, she began singing at age 4 at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, though she was forbidden from listening to secular music. Despite these restrictions, she was secretly influenced by the blues recordings of Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey, as well as the jazz sounds emerging from New Orleans. At 16, she moved to Chicago with family members, where she joined the choir at Greater Salem Baptist Church and truly found her voice.

Jackson's career took off in Chicago, where she worked various jobs including as a laundress, beautician, and flower shop employee while building her reputation as a gospel singer. She joined The Johnson Gospel Singers and performed throughout the city, eventually catching the attention of gospel composer Thomas Dorsey, who asked her to record his songs including what became her signature piece, 'Take My Hand, Precious Lord.' Her 1947 recording of 'Move On Up a Little Higher' became a major hit, establishing her as gospel music's first superstar and leading to international acclaim.

Known as the 'Queen of Gospel,' Jackson revolutionized the genre by introducing elements of jazz and blues into her performances, infusing gospel with unprecedented sensuality and freedom while maintaining her religious convictions. Her singularly expressive contralto voice and dynamic performance style influenced generations of both sacred and secular singers. She became the first Black gospel artist inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame in 1978 and the first gospel artist to win a Grammy Award. Jackson remained true to her religious mission throughout her career, refusing to perform secular material or appear in nightclubs, and played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, singing at the 1963 March on Washington at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s request.

Fun Facts

• She was the first Black gospel artist inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame and the first gospel artist ever to win a Grammy Award
• Despite her strict religious upbringing, she secretly listened to blues recordings, particularly those of Bessie Smith, saying 'Bessie was my favorite, but I never let people know I listened to her'
• She added an 'i' to her first name when she began singing professionally, changing from 'Mahala' to 'Mahalia'
• Even after achieving mainstream success, she commented that 'The Baptists still watch me like a hawk, now that I'm mixed up in show business'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Thomas A. Dorsey - Gospel composer who discovered Jackson's unique voice and became her mentor (Take My Hand, Precious Lord and other Dorsey compositions) [1930s-1940s]
• Bessie Smith - Blues singer who secretly influenced Jackson's vocal style despite religious restrictions (Blues recordings that Jackson listened to in childhood) [1920s-1930s]
• Ma Rainey - Blues singer who influenced Jackson's early musical development (Blues recordings) [1920s-1930s]

Key Collaborators

• Duke_Ellington - Jazz musician who worked with Jackson on various projects (Various recordings and performances) [1950s-1960s]
• The Johnson Gospel Singers - Gospel group that Jackson joined early in her Chicago career (Chicago church performances) [1930s]
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - Civil rights leader who requested Jackson's participation in major events (1963 March on Washington performance) [1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Aretha_Franklin - Gospel and soul singer profoundly influenced by Jackson's style and approach (Franklin's gospel recordings and vocal technique) [1950s-1970s]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Summertime / Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (Bless This House)
2. Take My Hand Precious Lord (Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
3. How I Got Over - Live (The Essential Mahalia Jackson)
4. Take My Hand, Precious Lord (The Essential Mahalia Jackson)
5. Silent Night, Holy Night (Silent Night: Songs For Christmas)
6. We Shall Overcome (Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
7. Trouble of the World (Gospels, Spirituals, & Hymns)
8. His Eye Is On the Sparrow (Gospels, Spirituals, & Hymns)
9. Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho (The Essential Mahalia Jackson)
10. Just a Closer Walk with Thee (Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia