Date of Birth: October 26, 1911
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: January 27, 1972
Biography
Mahalia Jackson, born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an iconic American gospel singer. Known as the “Queen of Gospel,” Jackson’s powerful contralto voice and deep emotional expression made her one of the greatest musical figures of the 20th century. Raised in a devout Christian household, she began singing in her church choir at a young age. By the time she reached her twenties, she had moved to Chicago, where her career began to flourish. Jackson’s rise to fame was marked by her association with Thomas A. Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music.” Together, they revolutionized the genre, bringing it to mainstream audiences. Her recording of “Move On Up a Little Higher” in 1947 was a massive success, selling millions of copies and earning her international acclaim. Throughout her career, Mahalia Jackson used her music as a platform for civil rights activism, often performing at rallies and events organized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was present at the 1963 March on Washington, where she performed just before King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. Jackson’s influence extended beyond gospel music into jazz, blues, and soul, inspiring countless artists. She remained a prominent figure in music and civil rights until her death on January 27, 1972, in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
5 Interesting Facts about Mahalia Jackson
1. Mahalia Jackson’s recording of “Move On Up a Little Higher” was the highest-selling gospel single in history at the time of its release.
2. She was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in 1972.
3. Jackson was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall.
4. She was a close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and performed at his funeral in 1968.
5. Mahalia Jackson’s music was a significant influence on artists like Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mahalia Jackson
1. “I sing God’s music because it makes me feel free.”
2. “My God is a God who is concerned about the least among us.”
3. “Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them.”
4. “When you sing gospel, you have a feeling there is a cure for what’s wrong.”
5. “Without a song, each day would be a century.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Mahalia Jackson’s net worth was estimated to be around $24 million (adjusted for inflation).
Children
Mahalia Jackson did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia – Mahalia Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahalia_Jackson
4. [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Mahalia Jackson](https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/mahalia-jackson
5. [Biography.com – Mahalia Jackson](https://www.biography.com/musician/mahalia-jackson
