The title of 'Queen of Gospel' is often attributed to Mahalia Jackson, a legendary African American gospel singer who rose to fame in the mid-20th century. Born in New Orleans in 1911, Mahalia Jackson's powerful and soulful voice helped popularize gospel music and brought it to a wider audience.

Jackson's career spanned several decades, during which she recorded numerous albums and singles that became hits both in the gospel music world and beyond. She performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival, and her music was influential in the civil rights movement, with her performances inspiring and uplifting activists and audiences alike.

Mahalia Jackson's contributions to gospel music and her impact on the broader cultural landscape of the United States have solidified her legacy as the 'Queen of Gospel.' Her music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world, and she remains a beloved and iconic figure in Black history.