Knowra Mahalia Jackson Mahalia Jackson Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972) was an American gospel singer whose powerful contralto voice and recordings helped bring gospel music to international audiences.
Thomas A. Dorsey : An American composer and pianist who helped establish modern gospel music. Dorsey mentored Jackson and wrote gospel songs she performed, including “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”
“Move On Up a Little Higher” : A gospel song recorded by Mahalia Jackson in 1947 that became one of her signature hits. Its success helped make Jackson a nationally known recording artist.
Gospel music : A genre of Christian music rooted in Black American church traditions and shaped by spirituals, blues, and hymns. Jackson’s career became one of gospel music’s most influential public expressions.
Black church : A collective term for historically Black Christian congregations and institutions in the United States. The Black church shaped Jackson’s musical formation and remained the spiritual foundation of her work.
Martin Luther King Jr. : An American Baptist minister and civil-rights leader who led the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Jackson sang at King’s events and supported the civil-rights movement.
“Take My Hand, Precious Lord” : A gospel song written by Thomas A. Dorsey and recorded by Mahalia Jackson. Jackson’s performances made Dorsey’s hymn closely associated with her voice and repertoire.
Apollo Records : An American independent record label founded in New York City in 1944. Jackson made the recordings for Apollo that established her national reputation.
African-American spirituals : Religious songs created by enslaved African Americans, combining Christian themes with African musical traditions. Spirituals are part of the tradition from which gospel music and Jackson’s repertoire developed.
Duke Ellington : An American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader whose career spanned more than five decades. Jackson collaborated with Ellington on his sacred concert work Black, Brown and Beige .
March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom : A 1963 demonstration in Washington, D.C., where civil-rights leaders demanded jobs and freedom for Black Americans. Jackson sang before Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
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