Biography
Mahalia Jackson, born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential gospel singers in history. Raised in a strict religious household, she began singing in church choirs as a child and was deeply influenced by the spirituals and hymns of her community. After her mother's death, Jackson moved to Chicago as a teenager, where she joined the Greater Salem Baptist Church choir and soon became a member of the Johnson Gospel Singers, one of the first gospel groups to tour widely[2][4].
Jackson's career flourished in the late 1930s and 1940s as she developed a unique style that blended traditional gospel with elements of jazz and blues, despite her family's disapproval of secular music. Her 1947 recording of "Move On Up a Little Higher" became a groundbreaking hit, propelling her to national and international fame. Known for her powerful contralto voice and emotive delivery, she became a central figure in the Civil Rights Movement, performing at major events such as the 1963 March on Washington at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr[2][4].
Throughout her life, Mahalia Jackson broke racial barriers and brought gospel music to mainstream audiences worldwide. She was the first gospel artist to win a Grammy Award and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Her legacy endures as a symbol of faith, resilience, and the transcendent power of music[1][2].
Fun Facts
- Mahalia Jackson was the first gospel artist to win a Grammy Award[1].
- She sang at the 1963 March on Washington at the personal request of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and famously encouraged him to 'tell them about the dream,' prompting his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech[4].
- Despite her fame, Jackson never performed secular music professionally, remaining devoted to gospel throughout her career[5].
- She owned a beauty shop and a flower shop in Chicago before her music career became financially sustainable[3].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Professor Kendricks - African American voice teacher who briefly coached Jackson, suggesting she tone down her style for broader appeal; she rejected his advice, choosing to remain true to her roots. (Vocal coaching sessions) [late 1920s]
- Bessie Smith & Ma Rainey - Jackson was influenced by the recordings of these pioneering blues singers, despite her family's disapproval of secular music. (Recordings she listened to as a child) [1910s–1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Thomas A. Dorsey - Renowned gospel composer and pianist; Jackson toured and performed extensively with Dorsey, helping to popularize gospel music. (National tours, gospel conventions) [1930s–1940s]
- Duke Ellington - Jazz legend; Jackson performed with Ellington, notably at the Newport Jazz Festival. (Concerts, including Newport Jazz Festival) [1950s]
- Johnson Gospel Singers - One of the first touring gospel groups; Jackson was a member early in her career. (Group performances and tours) [late 1920s–early 1930s]
Artists Influenced
- Aretha Franklin - Franklin cited Jackson as a major influence on her gospel and soul singing style. (Aretha Franklin's gospel recordings and performances) [1960s–1980s]
- Mavis Staples - Staples, of The Staple Singers, was inspired by Jackson's vocal power and gospel authenticity. (Staple Singers' gospel and soul repertoire) [1960s–present]
- Whitney Houston - Houston's gospel-infused vocal style and church roots trace back to Jackson's influence. (Houston's gospel performances and recordings) [1980s–2010s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Essential Mahalia Jackson | 2004 | Album |
| Bless This House | 1956 | Album |
| Gospels, Spirituals, & Hymns | 1954 | Album |
| Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | 1956 | Album |
| Silent Night: Songs For Christmas | 1962 | Album |
| Christmas with Mahalia | 1968 | Album |
| I Believe | 1960 | Album |
| Let's Pray Together | 1964 | Album |
| What the World Needs Now | 1969 | Album |
| My Faith | 1967-01-16 | Album |
| Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord | 1963-12-10 | Album |
| Mahalia Sings | 1966 | Album |
| Christmas With Mahalia Jackson | 1962-01-01 | Album |
| Get Away Jordan | 2023-02-03 | Album |
| Sings the Gospel Right Out of the Church | 1969 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Summertime / Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (Bless This House)
- Take My Hand Precious Lord (Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
- How I Got Over - Live (The Essential Mahalia Jackson)
- Take My Hand, Precious Lord (The Essential Mahalia Jackson)
- Silent Night, Holy Night (Silent Night: Songs For Christmas)
- We Shall Overcome (Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
- Trouble of the World (Gospels, Spirituals, & Hymns)
- His Eye Is On the Sparrow (Gospels, Spirituals, & Hymns)
- Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho (The Essential Mahalia Jackson)
- Just a Closer Walk with Thee (Sings the Best-Loved Hymns of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
MAHLIA JACKSON has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4, 2025 | 12:17 | HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams |