Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jacksonwas an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice, she was referred to as "The Queen of Gospel". She became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as "the single most powerful black woman in the United States". She recorded about 30 albumsduring her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen "golds"—million-sellers...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionGospel Singer
Date of Birth26 October 1911
CityNew Orleans, LA
CountryUnited States of America
Sometimes you ask God for something and you don't know what you're asking.
Gospel music rhythms are not African in origin, although I know that's what the jazz experts say.
A great influence in my life was the sanctified or Holiness churches...Everybody in there sang and they clapped and stomped heir feet and sang with their whole body... Their music was so strong and expressive, it used to bring tears to my eyes.
I sing God's music because it makes me feel free. It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues.
Anybody singing the blues is in a deep pit yelling for help.
The old Devil gets mad when you're trying to do good. Pray that God will move the stumbling blocks.
If you believe in God, He will open the windows of heaven and pour blessings upon you.
Blues are the songs of despair,
One thing about playing the real jazz is that you can't count it.
Time is important to me because I want to sing long enough to leave a message. I'm used to singing in churches where nobody would dare stop me until the Lord arrives!
Someday the sun is going to shine down on me in some faraway place.
Money just draws flies.
You're blessed if you have the strength to work.
The mind and the voice by themselves are not sufficient.