20th-century recording artist Mahalia Jackson, known as the Queen of Gospel, is revered as one of the greatest musical figures in U.S. history. Born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Charity Clark and Johnny Jackson, Jackson became one of gospel music’s all-time greats, known for her rich, powerful voice that cultivated a global following. Jackson grew up in a Pitt Street shack and started singing at 4 years old in the Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
Brought up in a devout family, Jackson still found herself influenced by the secular sounds of blues artists like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey.
After moving to Chicago as a teen Jackson joined the Greater Salem Baptist Church and became a member of the Johnson Gospel Singers. Years later she started working with Thomas A. Dorsey, a gospel composer. The two performed around the U.S. while she still took on a number of jobs — working as a laundress, beautician and flower shop owner before her career took off.
Jackson tasted major success with "Move On Up a Little Higher" which sold millions of copies and became the highest selling gospel single in history. She made radio and television appearances, eventually performing in Carnegie Hall on October 4, 1950 to a racially integrated audience. She had her own gospel program on the CBS television network and made her debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. In 1958 she appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival performing with Duke Ellington and his band..By 1959, she was an international figure, with a performance itinerary that included singing at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration.
Jackson was also an active supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. She sang at the March on Washington at the request of her friend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963. After Dr. King’s assassination in 1968 she sang Precious Lord Here My Call at his funeral and then largely withdrew from public political activities.
In her later years, Jackson had several hospitalizations for severe health problems, giving her final concert in 1971. Though she passed away too soon, she is still credited with being the strongest connection between gospel, jazz and blues that American music has ever seen. She will always be remembered and loved for her impassioned delivery, her deep commitment to spirituality and her lasting inspiration to listeners of all faiths and backgrounds.
Enjoy some music from the legendary Mahalia Jackson.
Just a Closer Walk With Thee (featuring LOUIS ARMSTRONG)
