Blue Nile Celebrates Black History - Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel

“When you sing gospel you have a feeling there is a cure for what's wrong.” - Mahalia Jackson

Born in New Orleans in 1911, Mahalia Jackson grew up in a shotgun home shared by 13 people. Raised by her Aunt Duke after her mother died in 1917, economic circumstances forced Jackson to quit school and work at home when she was in fourth grade. Her earliest influences were the sights and sounds of Uptown New Orleans: banana steamships on the Mississippi River, acorns roasting in Audubon Park, hot jazz bands, the beat-driven music of the Sanctified Church, and Bessie Smith's bluesy voice wafting from her cousin Fred's record player. But Jackson found her greatest inspiration at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where she sang on Wednesday, Friday, and four times on Sunday. Even at age 12, her powerful voice could be heard all the way to the end of the block. "You going to be famous in this world and walk with kings and queens," said her Aunt Bell, predicting an illustrious future for a voice that would change the face of American music, empower the Civil Rights movement, and bring Mahalia Jackson worldwide renown.

FUN FACTS:

• She was known as the mentor and inspiration behind famed award-winning singer Aretha Franklin, “Queen of Soul.”

• She was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall.

• She was the first gospel music artist to win the Grammy Award.

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