Overview
Mahalia Jackson was born on 26 October, 1911 in Louisiana. She started her career as a child singer at the Church of Mount Mariah. She proved herself to be among the most influential gospel figures in quite short span of time. She was an internationally known figure to the music lovers. She passed away on 27 January, 1972.
Early Life
As cited in “Just Mahalia” page 5 written by Goreau, Mahalia Jackson’s parents were Johnny Jackson and Charity. She was one of the all-time music‘s great figures in the field of gospel’s music. She had a rich and powerful voice that resulted in getting her global followers. She grew up at a Pitt in Street Shack and got her interest in religious singing from her parents. She began singing at the age of 04 years in the Baptist Church of Mount Mariah. Although she grew up in a religious Christian family, Jackson found that she was a bit inclined towards secular sounds and effects of many blues artists such as Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Jackson’s consecrated way of feat also relied upon free rhythm and movement when compared with the styles present in other conservative congregations .
Major Hit
Mahalia Jackson moved to Chicago during her teenage with an aim to become a nurse. She then joined the Baptist Church of Great Salem. Afterwards, she became an important member among the singers of Johnson Gospel. She performed as a singer in the same group for many years after which she began performing his singing with Thomas Dorsey who was a popular gospel composer. Both of them performed throughout the United States which increased the audience circle of Jackson. She did many other jobs to make a living other than singing. Her jobs included beautician, laundress and even owner of flower shop. She got married to Isaac Hockenhull in the year 1936 and got divorced in later two years.
Schwerin mentioned in his book “Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel” Page 2012 that Mahalia Jackson was amongst the greatest American gospel singers. During the 1930s and 40s, Mahalia Jackson made some successful recordings like “Move on up a little higher”. This particular song was sold in record number of copies making it the highest selling single gospel song in the history. This song increased her demand on radio as well as in television shows. Jackson had an extremely successful tour of Europe in the year 1952. This tour made her popular in France and Norway in particular. In the year 1954, she got to run her very own gospel TV show on the famous CBS TV network. The same program featured her popular hit with the "Rusty Old Halo" .
Civil Rights Activities
As cited by Dunham in his famous book “Mahalia Jackson: Gospel Singer and Civil Rights Champion” page 68; Mahalia is widely known as vigorous supporter of Civil Rights Movement. She performed during the Washington March on special request of her friend Dr. Martin. Jackson’s last well renowned performance was at the funeral of Dr. Martin in 1968 and thereafter she became inactive socially as well as politically. In the year 1969, she published Dr. Martin’s autobiography .
Later Life
In later phase of life she faced several health issues and got admitted to hospital many times. She had her last performance in the year 1971 in Germany. She passed away in a severe heart attack in Jan 1972. She is remembered as an inspiring voice and influencing personality. She had unshaken commitment to religion and profound impact on her listener will keep her alive in their hearts for centuries to come.
Works Cited
Dunham, Montrew. Mahalia Jackson: Gospel Singer and Civil Rights Champion. ReadHowYouWant.com, 2010.
Goreau, Laurraine. Just Mahalia, Baby: The Mahalia Jackson Story. Gretna: Pelican Publishing, 1975.
Schwerin, Jules. Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel. Oxford: Oxford University Press (T), 1994.
