Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Mahalia Jackson

Role / Field:

Iconic American gospel singer, pivotal in developing gospel blues throughout the 20th century.

Born:

1911-10-26

Died:

1972-01-27

Century / Era:

1911s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Mahalia Jackson ( mə-HAY-lee-ə; born Mahala Jackson; October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer, widely considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. With a career spanning 40 years, Jackson was integral to the development and spread of gospel blues in black churches throughout the U.S. During a time when racial segregation was pervasive in American society, she met considerable and unexpected success in a recording career, selling an estimated 22 million records and performing in front of integrated and secular audiences in concert halls around the world, making her one of the best-selling gospel music artists. The granddaughter of enslaved people, Jackson was born and raised in poverty in New Orleans.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She found a home in her church, leading to a lifelong dedication and singular purpose to deliver God's word through song. She moved to Chicago as an adolescent and joined the Johnson Singers, one of the earliest gospel groups. Jackson was heavily influenced by musician-composer Thomas Dorsey and blues singer Bessie Smith, adapting Smith's style to traditional Protestant hymns and contemporary songs. After making an impression in Chicago...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Urabi — Contemporary (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering Egyptian military and political leader who spearheaded the 'Urabi Revolt.
• Alfred Binet — Contemporary (Died in 1911) (1911): Pioneering French psychologist and inventor of the seminal Binet–Simon Intelligence Test.
• Aly Khan — Contemporary (Born in 1911) (1911): Diplomat, socialite, and former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN.
• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Contemporary (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alessandro Nivola — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
• Alison Stone (philosopher) — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): British philosopher specializing in feminist and continental European thought.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Shared historical date (10-26 · Born) (1874): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Akashi Motojiro — Shared historical date (10-26 · Died) (1919): General in the Imperial Japanese Army and Governor-General of Taiwan.
• Abbas the Great — Shared historical date (01-27 · Born) (1571): Fifth Safavid Shah of Iran, considered one of the greatest rulers in Iranian history.
• Adam Sedgwick — Shared historical date (01-27 · Died) (1873): Pioneering British geologist and Anglican priest, co-founder of modern geology.
• 1911 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1911
• October 26 (10-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 26
• 1972 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1972
• January 27 (01-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 27

Frequently Asked Questions about Mahalia Jackson