Mahalia Jackson was a renowned African American gospel singer who became one of the most influential vocalists in the genre. She was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and began singing in church at a young age. Known for her powerful and emotive voice, Jackson played a significant role in popularizing gospel music and bringing it to a wider audience.

Jackson's career spanned several decades, during which she released numerous albums and performed at various events, including the historic March on Washington in 1963 where she sang before Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. She was also the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and to win a Grammy Award.

Mahalia Jackson's music not only inspired and uplifted audiences but also played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement by providing a soundtrack of hope, resilience, and faith. Her soul-stirring performances and unwavering dedication to her music left a lasting impact on the world of gospel and music as a whole. Mahalia Jackson passed away on January 27, 1972, but her legacy continues to live on through her timeless recordings and influence on future generations of musicians.