The title "Queen of Gospel" is often associated with Mahalia Jackson, one of the most renowned and influential gospel singers of all time. Born in New Orleans in 1911, Mahalia Jackson's soulful voice and unique ability to blend blues and jazz elements into her gospel music set her apart in the industry.

Jackson gained widespread recognition in the 1940s and 1950s with hits like "Move on Up a Little Higher" and "In the Upper Room." She became a symbol of hope and resilience for the Black community during the Civil Rights Movement, and her performances at events like the 1963 March on Washington, where she sang "I Been 'Buked and I Been Scorned" before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, solidified her legacy.

Mahalia Jackson's music continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world, and she is considered a trailblazer for gospel music and a true icon in Black history.