The Mother Of Gospel Music: Mahalia Jackson

The voice, the legend, the icon: Mahalia Jackson.

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Mahalia Jackson - Mahalia Jackson was regarded as one of the most influential gospel singers in the world. Jackson performed “I Been Buked and I Been Scorned” before Martin Luther King Jr. gave his speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. (Photo: Keystone/Getty Images)
/content/dam/betcom/images/2012/03/Shows/Celebration-of-Gospel/030212-shows-celebration-of-gospel-mother-mahalia-jackson-7.jpgStaying True to Gospel Roots - In 1929 she met the man know as the Father of Gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey. They connected musically and in the mid-1930s they began touring for five years, singing at gospel conventions and churches. Dorsey’s song “Take My Hand Precious Lord” became a staple in Jackson’s repetoire. Shortley after touring, Mahalia record for Decca in 1937, and then for Apollo Records from 1946–1954. During her stint with Decca, the gospel powerhouse married Isaac Lanes Grey Hockenhull. The marriage was brief because of Hockenhull’s pressure on Mahalia to sing secular music. She stayed true to her gospel roots, and her faith would soon pay off. (Photo: Justin Westerfield/Commercial Appeal\ /Landov)

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The Mother of Gospel Music - Mahalia Jackson's powerful contralto brought saints to their knees and had angels rejoicing at the gates of heaven! Pioneering gospel through her blend of traditional Baptist spiritual and soulful blues, Ms. Jackson's music would influence generations of singers to come. Her voice is one of the most distinctive and celebrated of our time. Let's take a look back at the life of a woman who's voice was truly touched by God. (Photo: AP/File)

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