The title of "Queen of Gospel" is often attributed to Mahalia Jackson, a celebrated African American gospel singer. Born in New Orleans in 1911, Mahalia Jackson's powerful voice and emotional delivery made her one of the most iconic figures in gospel music history.

Jackson's career began in the 1930s when she started singing gospel music at church and on local radio stations. She gained widespread acclaim in the 1940s and 1950s through her numerous recordings and live performances. Her renditions of spirituals and gospel songs, such as "How I Got Over" and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord," became classics and inspired generations of musicians.

Mahalia Jackson also played a significant role in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. She performed at events such as the March on Washington in 1963, where she sang before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

Mahalia Jackson's influence on gospel music and her contributions to the civil rights movement solidified her legacy as the "Queen of Gospel." She received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards and a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her impact on music and activism continues to be felt to this day.