Definitions for Mahalia Jackson
ma·halia jack·son

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Jackson, Mahalia Jacksonnoun

   United States singer who did much to popularize gospel music (1911-1972)

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Mahalia Jackson

   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. The granddaughter of enslaved people, Jackson was born and raised in poverty in New Orleans. 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 by blues singer Bessie Smith, adapting Smith's style to traditional Protestant hymns and contemporary songs. After making an impression in Chicago churches, she was hired to sing at funerals, political rallies, and revivals. For 15 years she functioned as what she termed a "fish and bread singer", working odd jobs between performances to make a living. Nationwide recognition came for Jackson in 1947 with the release of "Move On Up a Little Higher", selling two million copies and hitting the number two spot on Billboard charts, both firsts for gospel music. Jackson's recordings captured the attention of jazz fans in the U.S. and France, and she became the first gospel recording artist to tour Europe. She regularly appeared on television and radio, and performed for many presidents and heads of state, including singing the national anthem at John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Ball in 1961. Motivated by her experiences living and touring in the South and integrating a Chicago neighborhood, she participated in the civil rights movement, singing for fundraisers and at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. She was a vocal and loyal supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. and a personal friend of his family. Throughout her career Jackson faced intense pressure to record secular music, but turned down high paying opportunities to concentrate on gospel. Completely self-taught, Jackson had a keen sense of instinct for music, her delivery marked by extensive improvisation with melody and rhythm. She was renowned for her powerful contralto voice, range, an enormous stage presence, and her ability to relate to her audiences, conveying and evoking intense emotion during performances. Passionate and at times frenetic, she wept and demonstrated physical expressions of joy while singing. Her success brought about international interest in gospel music, initiating the "Golden Age of Gospel" making it possible for many soloists and vocal groups to tour and record. Popular music as a whole felt her influence and she is credited with inspiring rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll singing styles.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. mahalia jackson

   Mahalia Jackson was an influential American gospel singer, referred to as "The Queen of Gospel". Born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she had a profound impact on both gospel and blues music throughout her career. Known for her rich, powerful voice, she became one of the most revered singers of the 20th century. Her most famous recordings include "Move On Up a Little Higher" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." Apart from her music career, Jackson was also an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement. She died on January 27, 1972.

WikidataRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Mahalia Jackson

   Mahalia Jackson was an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice, she was referred to as "The Queen of Gospel". Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as "the single most powerful black woman in the United States". She recorded about 30 albums during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen "golds"—million-sellers. "I sing God's music because it makes me feel free," Jackson once said about her choice of gospel, adding, "It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues."

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1. mahalia jackson

   Song lyrics by mahalia jackson -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by mahalia jackson on the Lyrics.com website.

Matched Categories

1. • Singer

How to pronounce Mahalia Jackson?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say Mahalia Jackson in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of Mahalia Jackson in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of Mahalia Jackson in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=Mahalia Jackson
2. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahalia_Jackson
3. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
4. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=Mahalia Jackson