As September comes to a speeding end, I didn’t wanna let Gospel Music Heritage Month end without making sure I talked about the incomparable Mahalia Jackson. Many people hear the name her name and think to themselves, “yeah, gospel pioneer… I get it.”
But few of us, if we’re honest with ourselves, will acknowledge that we actually know very little about her. So, here goes…
Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972) was born in New Orleans, LA. At the age of 16, she moved to Chicago, where she worked as a domestic, then as a beautician. At age 18, she met Thomas A. Dorsey and, shortly thereafter, began touring with him as his primary vocalist and collaborator.
At age 24, she landed her first recording contract (Decca Records) after being heard singing at a funeral. From that record deal, she later went to sign with Apollo Records, then Columbia Records (you thought Mary Mary was Columbia’s first gospel artist??? 
).
She married Isaac Lanes Grey Hockenhull in 1936, but divorced him in 1941 (allegedly because of his racehorse gambling addiction and persistent pressure from him that she sing secular music, which would be more profitable).
Meanwhile, her success in gospel music began bringing her international acclaim as she toured throughout Europe. In 1958, Mahalia’s version of “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” peaked at #68 on Billboard’s singles chart, which was unprecedented at the time.
Toward the latter portion of her life on Earth, Mahalia was very involved with the Civil Rights Movement. She is known to have joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at many events, the most famous of which was probably the 1963 March On Washington, where Dr. King gave his “I Have A Dream” speech.
Mahalia Jackson passed from heart failure in January of 1972, in Evergreen Park, IL. Two services were held–one in Chicago and one in New Orleans. Aretha Franklin closed the Chicago service with “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” the now classic song made famous by Jackson. The majority of her estate, with an estimated value of over a million dollars, was left to her family back in New Orleans.
Following her death, she was honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Acheivement Award and, since then, has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Hame and has her face on a U.S. postal stamp.
I remember seeing some great videos of Mahalia on YouTube a while back… just HAD to post one of ‘em. In this one, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee,” watch how Mahalia WORKS this song so tough that, by the end, she’s in another DIMENSION! LOL
@EJ: Are you reading our minds? Do you have some type of new gadget that tells all? My Dad used to call me "Little Mahalia" when I had to sing at church. It was his way to encourage me, of course I was nowhere near this powerhouse. Her level inspired me to give my all. Now that is the beauty of the industry: The ability to show the praise God truly deserves and teach others. I also loved the movie, "Imitations of Life " -A Great film for many reasons, but a major highlight was the scene when Mahalia was singing that part "I'm Going Home". I cried like a baby. I love strong, rich voices like these. Sometimes background music and other devices disguise the artist; but Mahalia's voice was so loud and deep. Could you imagine that in the studio today? *Onitsha, still somewhat a new artist, did a remake of "You Know Lord" and added Mahalia's voice. That was one of the best songs on her cd. Thanks for the post.
my aunt is always telling me about the time she wentnto hear ms. jackson sing...she said she had the loudest voice she has ever heard..dshe said she did the concert with no microphone ..and she said her voice was so powerful yu couldnt help but pay attention so by todays standards she wud be a "beast" right? (sorry donald)
I was always casual about Mahalia Jackson UNTIL I saw the move "Imitation of Life" she sang "Soon I will be Done". Hearing her sing that song was extremely moving and powerful. I learned that she was also seen as a bit controversial due to her performance style. Church goers felt that her movement and fiery facial expressions where a bit much for the church at the time - Wow what would they think about artist today :) . Mahalia is definitely gospel royalty and has paved the way for all of the acts we enjoy today
I love Mahalia Jackson I just saw a 2 hour specail about her life called the power and the glory hosted by Lynn Whitfield it was very interesting. Thanks EJ for doing this tidbit
A voice like Mahalia comes along once in a lifetime. Thank you for acknowledging this great artist and woman of God. The gospel industry should never stop giving honor to Mahalia Jackson who opened many doors, including being the first gospel artist to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival and brought the house down, and had her own TV show! Just like young jazz artists listen to and study the great jazz artists like Armstrong, Ellington, Coltrane and Miles, young gospel artists should also listen to and study great gospel artists like Mahalia Jackson.
What an anointed voice! Mahalia sings from the depths of her soul -- nothing flashy or ostentatious -- just an authentic demonstration of God's divine intersection of ministry, character and artistry. When she sang a song, there was no doubt that it was being done to the glory of God.
They dont work songs like dis no more!!!!!!!!! She killed ... LOL@ the white lady at 2:07
@EJ---good way to bring our heritage and gospel history to the forefront. Interestingly enough, I had also googled her singing 'My Living Will Not Be in Vain' and she was TEARING UP. Since I had been 'assigned' Just A Closer Walk with Thee on the Sunday Best show, I feel a little bit better about it because of Sis. Mahalia...... A little bit. LOL
I've always been a Mahalia fan. My mom and dad played her Christmas album when I was little, and The Holy Babe is one of my favorite Christmas songs. I've also favorited every song of hers I can find on YouTube. Mahalia's voice is matchless!
Wow. She really went in on this song! Absolutely amazing!
Why did you remove the video with Mahalia Jackson singing, "Just A Closer Walk With Thee.?" I also cannot find on Google videos or Youtube Mahalia singing "Peace in the Valley." Yet it was written for her. I cannot find on either of those search engines Mahalia singing at Martin Luther King's Funeral. Why????