The Mother Of Gospel Music: Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson left a legacy of faith in the face of adversity, and a strong voice for the future generation of gospel singers to learn from. She recorded 30 gospel albums, including a dozen “golds” (or million-sellers) 45 rpm records. Recognizing her influence in music and magnitude, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences created the Grammy Award’s gospel category just for Jackson, making her the first gospel music artist to win a Grammy Award. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium.” Although King’s statement still rings true, we hear her voice in the influence of gospel artists today. 

(Photo: Courtesy Columbia Records)