Today In History

Mahalia Jackson, known as the Queen of Gospel, is revered as one of the greatest musical figures in U.S. history., was born in New Orleans, LA, on this date October 26, 1911.

Mahalia Jackson started singing as a child at Mount Moriah Baptist Church and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in the United States. Her recording of “Move On Up a Little Higher” was a major hit and she subsequently became an international figure for music lovers from a variety of backgrounds. She worked with artists like Duke Ellington and Thomas A. Dorsey and also sang at the 1963 March on Washington at the request of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

One of my fondest memories of Mahalia Jackson is when I watched her performance in the film Imitation of Life.

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[To Aid / Southern States Sit in Movement / Martin Luther King Defense] [An Evening of / Music and Drama / for Freedom Now / Starring in person / Harry Belafonte / Mahalia Jackson / Sidney Poitier / Shelley Winters / (1960 Academy Award Winner) / Diahann Carroll / Production Supervised by / Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee / Freedom Drama written by / Lorraine Hansbury (author of ‘Raisin In The Sun’) – John Killens – George Tabori], New York, NY, 1960 [Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.]

Nat King Cole &land Mahalia Jackson on set of ST. LOUIS BLUES in October 1957

Aretha Franklin’s mother, Barbara Siggers Franklin, & Aretha's father, C.L. Franklin.

Barbara was a gifted pianist and, according to Mahalia Jackson, one of the finest gospel singers in the country.

Following marital trouble, she left Aretha's father in 1948 and moved to Buffalo, New York, where her mother resided. She made a life for herself working in a music store, giving private music lessons, and training to be a nurse's aide. She and Franklin never officially divorced.

Although it was widely reported that she had deserted her children, Aretha Franklin disputed that claim, and Nick Salvatore of Cornell University took pains to discredit it in his biography of C. L. Franklin. According to Salvatore, she visited Detroit to see her children, and they traveled to Buffalo during summer vacations for stays with her.

Barbara died of a heart attack on March 7, 1952, at 34 years of age. Aretha was only 9-years-old.

Mahalia Jackson - Trouble In My Way (Philips)

Gospel EP!

Mahalia Jackson (/məˈheɪliə/ mə-HAY-lee-ə; born Mahala Jackson; October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972)[a] 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

Mahalia Jackson, at her peak in 1961, performing “Elijah Rock” with longtime piano accompanist Mildred Falls. _____________________ Elijah Rock Traditional

Elijah rock shout shout Elijah rock comin' up Lord Elijah rock shout shout Elijah rock comin' up Lord

Elijah, Elijah Elijah Elijah, Elijah Elijah

Satan is a liar and a conjure too If you don't watch (mind) out He'll conjure you If I could I sho'ly would Stand on the rock where Moses stood (Chorus)

Ezekiel said he saw him Wheel in the mid' of a wheel John talked about him Book of the seven seals Some say the Rose of Sharon Others say the Prince of Peace But I can tell everybody (this ol' world) He's been a rock and a shelter for me Hallelujah (Chorus)

You can call my rock in the mornin' Call him late at night He's always with me And all my battles He'll fight When I'm in trouble I can call him on the line He put a telephone in my heart And I can call God anytime Hallelujah (Chorus)

Faith Ringgold, Mahalia We Love You

MUSIC MONDAY: "I'll Take You There" - The Best of Mavis Staples (LISTEN)

by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest) Mavis Staples is eighty-four years old as I peck these words. She has been a gospel and soul singer longer than Elizabeth II wore the crown. Many R&B vocalists started in gospel music, though she and her family have always kept a foot in both worlds. The Staple Singers have brought their spirituality, and…

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March 26, 1967

concert poster art by Milton Glaser

Mahalia Jackson was born on October 26, 1911 #botd

Elvis photographed with Mahalia Jackson and Change of Habit co-star Barbara McNair, 1969.

Barbara recalls the visit of Mahalia Jackson: “Elvis and I were sitting there together and Mahalia came on the set and she asked Elvis if he would participate in a fund-raiser that she was going to organize. Elvis was so gracious, 'Oh, Mrs Jackson, I am so happy to meet you, I would love to do it, but I still have to ask the Colonel'. So after she left, he said to me, 'I'll never do it, the Colonel won't let me', but he was so gracious to her, he knew all the time the Colonel would not let him do it.”

Mahalia Jackson performing at the 1970 Newport Jazz Festival