About

Considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century, she was known for her powerful and soulful voice that captivated audiences worldwide. With her unique ability to incorporate elements of blues, jazz, and folk music into her gospel performances, Jackson helped to popularize gospel music and bring it to mainstream audiences. Born in New Orleans, Jackson began singing gospel music at a young age and soon gained recognition for her talent. She started her career performing in churches and alongside various gospel groups before eventually gaining national prominence. In the 1940s, she signed with Decca Records and released several successful singles, including "Move On Up a Little Higher," which sold millions of copies and became the highest-selling gospel record at the time. Throughout her career, Jackson performed at numerous important events, such as the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where she sang her famous rendition of the gospel classic "I've Been 'Buked and I've Been Scorned. " Her powerful voice and emotional performances captivated not only the audience but also important figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. , who called her the "queen of gospel singers. " In addition to her exceptional singing abilities, Jackson was known for her strong commitment to civil rights advocacy. She used her platform to support the civil rights movement and performed at numerous rallies and events in support of racial equality. Her performances were characterized by a sense of resilience, hope, and freedom that resonated deeply with audiences during a time of racial tension and oppression. Despite facing racial discrimination and challenges in her personal life, Mahalia Jackson's influence and impact on gospel music, civil rights activism, and American culture as a whole remain undeniable. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and continues to be celebrated as one of the most iconic voices in gospel music history.