# Mahalia Jackson

> American gospel singer (1911–1972)

**Wikidata**: [Q206466](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206466)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahalia_Jackson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mahalia-jackson

## Summary
Mahalia Jackson was an American gospel singer (1911–1972) renowned as "The Queen of Gospel" for her powerful voice and profound influence on gospel music. She became one of the most celebrated gospel artists of the 20th century, bridging spiritual and secular audiences with her iconic performances and recordings.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Not specified in source material
- **Known for**: Pioneering gospel music, performing spirituals, and achieving global recognition as a gospel singer
- **Employer(s)**: Decca Records, Columbia Records
- **Field(s)**: Gospel music, singing, performance

## Contributions
Mahalia Jackson's contributions to music include:
- **Recordings**: Released numerous influential gospel albums and singles, including collaborations with major record labels like Decca and Columbia Records.
- **Genre Influence**: Elevated gospel music to mainstream audiences, blending traditional spirituals with contemporary musical styles.
- **Cultural Impact**: Became a symbol of African-American musical heritage, inspiring generations of gospel and secular artists.
- **Awards and Recognition**: Received prestigious honors, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
- **Legacy**: Her work laid the foundation for modern gospel music, influencing artists across multiple genres.

## FAQs
**What genres did Mahalia Jackson perform in?**
Mahalia Jackson primarily performed gospel music and spirituals, though her influence extended into soul and R&B.

**Which record labels was Mahalia Jackson signed to?**
She was signed to Decca Records and Columbia Records, two of the most prominent labels of her era.

**What awards did Mahalia Jackson receive?**
She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**What is Mahalia Jackson's connection to New Orleans?**
She was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, which played a significant role in shaping her musical style.

**How did Mahalia Jackson influence other artists?**
Her powerful voice and emotional delivery inspired artists like Aretha Franklin, who cited her as a major influence on soul and gospel music.

## Why They Matter
Mahalia Jackson matters as a pioneering force in gospel music, elevating the genre from church settings to global stages. Her recordings with Decca and Columbia Records brought gospel to wider audiences, breaking racial and cultural barriers. Without her contributions, gospel music might not have achieved its mainstream recognition, and artists like Aretha Franklin might not have developed their signature styles. Her legacy endures in the continued popularity of gospel music and its influence on modern genres.

## Notable For
- Being known as "The Queen of Gospel"
- Recording with major labels Decca Records and Columbia Records
- Receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame
- Earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Influencing legendary artists like Aretha Franklin
- Performing spirituals and gospel music with unparalleled emotional depth
- Being born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Having an asteroid (65769 Mahalia) named in her honor

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Mahalia Jackson was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She began singing in church choirs as a child, developing a powerful voice that would later define her career. Her early exposure to gospel and spirituals in New Orleans shaped her musical style.

### Rise to Prominence
Jackson's career took off in the 1930s and 1940s as she gained recognition for her performances in churches and at gospel conventions. Her breakthrough came with recordings for Decca Records, where she released some of her most iconic gospel songs.

### Record Label Collaborations
She signed with Decca Records and later Columbia Records, two of the most influential labels of her time. These partnerships allowed her to reach broader audiences, both within and beyond the gospel community.

### Iconic Performances and Recordings
Jackson's recordings, including spirituals and gospel standards, became staples in American music. Her performances were known for their emotional intensity and technical mastery, setting a new standard for gospel singers.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Jackson received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her status as a legend.

### Cultural and Musical Influence
Jackson's influence extended beyond gospel music. She inspired artists like Aretha Franklin, who credited her as a major influence on their own careers. Her work helped bridge the gap between gospel and secular music, paving the way for future generations of musicians.

### Legacy and Honors
In addition to her musical achievements, Jackson was honored in various ways, including having an asteroid (65769 Mahalia) named after her. Her impact on music and culture remains profound, with her recordings continuing to inspire listeners worldwide.

### Later Life and Death
Mahalia Jackson passed away on January 27, 1972, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape gospel music and influence artists across genres. Her contributions to music and her role as a cultural icon ensure her enduring relevance.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Biographical Dictionary of Afro-American and African Musicians
3. BnF authorities
4. LIBRIS. 2002
5. datos.bne.es
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13. Discogs
14. [Laurraine Goreau collection](https://archives.tulane.edu/repositories/3/resources/3575)
15. [Source](https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/28/archives/mahalia-jackson-gospel-singer-and-a-civil-rights-symbol-dies.html)
16. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
17. SNAC
18. Internet Broadway Database
19. FemBio database
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24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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26. IdRef
27. BBC Things
28. The Movie Database
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30. Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno