Mahalia Jackson
Blues, Gospel, Jazz • New Orleans, United States
Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972) was an American gospel singer widely considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Born in poverty in New Orleans to unmarried parents, Jackson was raised by her aunt in a devout Baptist household where church music became her sanctuary and inspiration. She moved to Chicago as a teenager during the Great Migration, joining the Johnson Singers, one of the earliest Black gospel groups, and came under the mentorship of musician-composer Thomas Dorsey, who helped her develop her distinctive style blending traditional hymns with blues influences.
Jackson achieved nationwide recognition in 1947 with her breakthrough single "Move On Up a Little Higher," which sold two million copies and became the first gospel record to reach number two on the Billboard charts. Her powerful contralto voice, extensive improvisation, and emotional delivery revolutionized gospel music, earning her the nickname "Empress of Gospel Singers." She became the first gospel artist to sign with Columbia Records in 1954 and performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall, breaking racial barriers and introducing gospel music to integrated and international audiences.
Beyond her musical achievements, Jackson was a dedicated civil rights activist and close personal friend of Martin Luther King Jr. She sang at the March on Washington in 1963, performed at President John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball, and used her platform to raise funds for civil rights causes and social justice initiatives. Despite constant pressure to record secular music and lucrative offers from jazz and blues promoters, Jackson remained faithful to gospel music throughout her 40-year career, selling an estimated 22 million records.
Jackson's legacy extends far beyond gospel music. She is credited with initiating the "Golden Age of Gospel" and inspiring the development of rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll. A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient with three competitive Grammy Awards, she was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame, R&B Hall of Fame, and received recognition as one of NPR's 50 Great Voices and Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
Quotes
“This is the way we sing down South!”
“These people had no choir or no organ. They used the drum, the cymbal, the tambourine, and the steel triangle. Everybody in there sang, and they clapped and stomped their feet, and sang with their whole bodies. They had a beat, a rhythm we held on to from slavery days, and their music was so strong and expressive. It used to bring tears to my eyes.”
“Baby, don't you know the Devil stole the beat from the Lord?”
“I feel that I'm a part of this man's hopes. He lifts my spirit and makes me feel a part of the land I live in.”
“I thought I was the Beatles!”
Career Timeline
International Tours
Jackson became the first Western singer since World War II to perform privately for Japan's Imperial Family and toured India with U.S. State Department sponsorship, performing sold-out concerts in major cities.
MLK Funeral Performance
Jackson gave one of her most memorable performances of "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" at Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral in Atlanta, after which she retired from political work and personal endorsements.
Heart Attack and Health Crisis
Jackson suffered a heart attack while driving from a St. Louis concert, leading to a year-long recovery and the discovery that sarcoidosis had advanced to her heart.
March on Washington Performance
Jackson performed at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at Martin Luther King Jr.'s request, singing "I've Been 'Buked and I've Been Scorned" and "How I Got Over" to over 250,000 attendees.
JFK Inaugural Ball
Jackson sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at President John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball, gaining national recognition and demonstrating her acceptance in mainstream American culture.
Democratic National Convention Performance
Jackson performed "I See God" at the 1956 Democratic National Convention, silencing a rowdy hall and demonstrating her power to move audiences in secular venues.
Meeting Martin Luther King Jr.
Jackson met Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy at the National Baptist Convention, beginning her deep involvement in the civil rights movement.
Columbia Records Contract
Jackson signed a groundbreaking $50,000-per-year four-year contract with Columbia Records, becoming the first gospel artist to sign with the major label.
First Television Appearance and European Tour
Jackson made her first television appearance on Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town and embarked on her first European tour, becoming the first gospel singer to perform at London's Royal Albert Hall since 1872.
Carnegie Hall Performance
Jackson performed at Carnegie Hall in a gospel music revue promoted by Joe Bostic, receiving critical acclaim and establishing gospel music as a legitimate concert genre in prestigious venues.
Breakthrough Hit - Move On Up a Little Higher
Jackson's recording of "Move On Up a Little Higher" sold 50,000 copies in Chicago and two million nationwide, reaching number two on the Billboard charts and becoming the first gospel record to achieve such commercial success.
Beauty Salon Opening
Jackson opened a beauty salon in the heart of Bronzeville that became a center of gospel activity and musical collaboration with other artists and composers.
Political Campaign Performance
Jackson sang for Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential campaign at the request of Chicago politician William L. Dawson, beginning her involvement in political and social causes.
First Recordings
Jackson made her first recordings as a solo artist, intended for sale at National Baptist Convention meetings, marking the beginning of her recording career.
Move to Chicago
At age 17, Jackson moved to Chicago during the Great Migration, joining Greater Salem Baptist Church and beginning her professional gospel career with the Johnson Singers.
