Mahalia Jackson

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Acts 18:9-10

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Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972)

Mahalia Jackson, who is considered as the greatest gospel singer ever, was born in a poor section of New Orleans on October 26, 1911. At the age of four, Jackson made her debut in the Plymouth Rock Baptist Church Children's Choir. She had her first recording in 1937. Thomas A. Dorsey, known as the "Father of Gospel Music", became her mentor and wrote over 400 songs which Jackson made popular. She also appeared on "Ed Sullivan Show" in 1956.

At the civil rights march on Washington, DC in 1964, Jackson preceded Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech with the traditional spiritual "I been 'buked and I been scorned". Jackson also sang "Precious Lord" at Rev. King's funeral. She died of a heart failure on January 27, 1972.

Discography

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