We remember Mahalia Jackson. ‘The Gospel Of MJ’
This day (January 27, 1972), in Evergreen Park, Illinois, died Mahalia Jackson,an African-American gospel contre-alto singer referred to as ‘The Queen of Gospel’.
WATCH IN FULL
Tracklist :
1 . Silent Night
2 . Trouble Of The World
3 . Jesus And The Woman At The Well (1961)
4 . Amazing Grace
5 . Down By The Riverside
6 . Mahalia Jackson & Nat King Cole – Steal Away (1957)
7 . The Battle Of Jericho (1957)
8 . How I Got Over
AUDIO TOP 10
Tracklist :
Back Door Man . Spoonful . The Seventh Son . You Shook Me . I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man . I Ain’t Superstitious . 29 Ways . Walking The Blues . I Can’t Quit You Baby . The Little Red Rooster .
Mahalia Jackson: The Queen of Gospel
Mahalia Jackson, born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is remembered as the “Queen of Gospel.” With a voice that moved millions and a life dedicated to faith and social justice, Jackson became a towering figure in American music and the Civil Rights Movement.
Early Life and Influences
Jackson’s childhood in New Orleans was marked by poverty and segregation. Raised by her Aunt Duke after her mother’s death, she found solace in the church and began singing at age four. Her musical influences included the work songs of dock workers, Bessie Smith’s blues, and the spirited worship of a nearby Pentecostal church. Overcoming physical challenges as a child, including being unable to walk, she credited her recovery to prayer and massage.
At 16, Jackson moved to Chicago, seeking opportunities for Black Americans. There, she joined Greater Salem Baptist Church, where her powerful voice stood out and set her on a path to becoming a gospel icon.
Early Career and Musical Development
In Chicago, Jackson initially planned to attend nursing school but was drawn to gospel music. She joined the Johnson Gospel Singers in 1929, honing a style that blended blues and jazz influences with gospel traditions. Despite facing criticism from some churchgoers, she persevered, performing Thomas Dorsey’s compositions on street corners and earning a reputation as a “fish and bread” singer—singing for both spiritual and practical sustenance.
During the Great Depression, Jackson balanced various jobs with her burgeoning singing career. Her unique style, characterized by moaning, shouting, and body movement, captivated audiences. By the 1930s, she was recognized as Chicago’s leading gospel singer.
Rise to Fame
Jackson’s career took off in 1947 with the release of “Move On Up a Little Higher,” which became a gospel sensation, selling over 2 million copies. This success led to invitations to sing at significant events, including President Harry Truman’s campaign and a groundbreaking performance at Carnegie Hall in 1950. Her growing popularity extended to Europe, where she developed a large white fan base despite facing racism at home.
Signing with Columbia Records in 1954, Jackson reached an even broader audience. Hits like “Amazing Grace,” “In the Upper Room,” and “Just Over the Hill” solidified her status as a gospel legend. Her collaborations with pianist Mildred Falls and her commitment to gospel music, even when pressured to sing blues or pop, demonstrated her unwavering dedication to her faith.
Civil Rights and Social Impact
Jackson’s deep faith and commitment to justice made her a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. A close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she performed at pivotal events, including the 1963 March on Washington, where she inspired King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. She also sang at President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball and funeral, as well as Dr. King’s funeral.
Despite her fame, Jackson faced racism and discrimination. She settled in a white Chicago neighborhood in 1957, enduring backlash and even violence. Undeterred, she used her platform to raise funds for civil rights causes and spoke openly about the injustices faced by Black Americans.
Later Life and Legacy
Health challenges, including sarcoidosis and heart issues, affected Jackson in her later years, but she continued to perform and tour globally. Her final performance in Germany in 1971 marked the end of an extraordinary career. Jackson passed away on January 27, 1972, at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of over 30 albums and 22 million records sold.
Jackson’s influence extended far beyond music. She was a pioneer of gospel, inspiring artists like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles. Her songs “Move On Up a Little Higher,” “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” are enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Posthumously honored with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and a USPS commemorative stamp, her story continues to inspire through films like *Robin Roberts Presents Mahalia*.
Mahalia Jackson’s unparalleled voice, deep faith, and commitment to social justice cemented her as a cultural icon. Her contributions to gospel music and the Civil Rights Movement remain a testament to her enduring impact on American history.
Photo : Wolfgang Wildner
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