Table of Contents
Who Was Mahalia Jackson?
Mahalia Jackson began her musical journey as a child, singing at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church. She would grow to become one of the most revered figures in gospel music in the United States. Her iconic recording of “Move On Up a Little Higher” garnered widespread acclaim, establishing her as an international symbol of musical excellence across diverse audiences. Throughout her career, Jackson collaborated with notable artists such as Duke Ellington and Thomas A. Dorsey. Additionally, she was invited by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to perform at the historic March on Washington in 1963, further solidifying her legacy as a powerful voice for social change.
Early Life
Born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Charity Clark and Johnny Jackson, Mahalia Jackson emerged as one of gospel music’s most revered figures, celebrated for her rich, powerful voice that garnered a global audience. Raised in a modest home on Pitt Street, she began singing at the age of four in the Mount Moriah Baptist Church. When she embarked on her professional career, she added an “i” to her first name to distinguish herself.
Growing up in a devout Christian household, Jackson was nonetheless influenced by the secular sounds of blues artists such as Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. Her unique sanctified performance style incorporated freer movement and rhythm, setting her apart from the more traditional approaches prevalent in conservative congregations.
Major Gospel Hit
After relocating to Chicago as a teenager with aspirations of studying nursing, Mahalia Jackson joined the Greater Salem Baptist Church, where she quickly became a member of the Johnson Gospel Singers. She performed with this group for several years, honing her craft and deepening her commitment to gospel music. Jackson later collaborated with renowned gospel composer Thomas A. Dorsey, and together they toured across the United States, broadening her audience and establishing her reputation.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Jackson held various jobs, including laundress, beautician, and flower shop owner, before her career in music reached new heights. She married Isaac Hockenhull in 1936, though the couple eventually divorced.
While Jackson recorded some music in the 1930s, her breakthrough came in 1947 with the release of “Move On Up a Little Higher.” This single achieved unprecedented success, selling millions of copies and becoming the highest-selling gospel record in history. As her popularity surged, she made numerous radio and television appearances, embarked on concert tours, and notably performed at Carnegie Hall on October 4, 1950, in front of a racially integrated audience.
Jackson’s international appeal flourished during a successful 1952 tour in Europe, where she garnered particular acclaim in France and Norway. In 1954, she launched her own gospel program on the CBS television network and scored a pop hit with “Rusty Old Halo,” further cementing her status as a musical icon.
An International Star
In 1956, Mahalia Jackson made her debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, marking the beginning of her ascent as a prominent figure in the music industry. By 1958, she graced the stage at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, where she performed alongside the legendary Duke Ellington and his band. This collaboration led to the release of the album Black, Brown and Beige under Columbia Records, which showcased their artistic synergy.
Jackson continued her fruitful partnership with Columbia, producing notable recordings such as The Power and the Glory (1960), Silent Night: Songs for Christmas (1962), and Mahalia (1965).
In 1959, she ventured into film, appearing in Imitation of Life, further broadening her reach beyond music. By the end of the decade, Jackson’s work embodied a blend of crossover production styles, establishing her as an international icon. Her performance at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration solidified her status as a celebrated artist with a diverse and influential career.
Civil Rights Work
Jackson was a dedicated advocate for the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, at the request of her friend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she performed “I Been ‘Buked and I Been Scorned” at the March on Washington, a pivotal moment in the fight for racial equality. Three years later, in 1966, she published her autobiography, Movin’ On Up. Following King’s assassination in 1968, Jackson sang at his funeral but subsequently retreated from public political engagements.
Death and Legacy
In her later years, Jackson faced significant health challenges, resulting in multiple hospitalizations. Her final concert took place in 1971 in Munich, Germany. She passed away from a heart attack on January 27, 1972. Jackson is remembered for her passionate performances, profound spirituality, and enduring influence on audiences across diverse backgrounds.