South Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Mahalia Jackson
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Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 4, 2021
1. Mahalia Jackson Marker
Mahalia Jackson
Gospel singer
1911 - 1972
One of thousands of black Southerners to move north during the Great Migration, Mahalia Jackson arrived in Chicago in 1927, bringing with her the rich tradition of New Orleans gospel and blues. Although raised a Baptist, she was heavily influenced by the spirited music of the Sanctified church next door to her home and by the secular sounds of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith.
In 1928, Jackson became a member of the Johnson Gospel Singers, one of the first professional gospel groups in America. Refusing to sing in nightclubs, she started her own businesses, Mahalias Beauty Salon and Mahalias House of Flowers. In the 1930s, she began a long association with composer Thomas A. Dorsey that catapulted her into gospel music stardom. Her 1947 recording of Move on Up a Little Higher became the first top-selling gospel song, earning her the title Queen of Gospel Music.
Jacksons personal style and powerful performance technique carried her to stardom while at the same time raising the status of gospel music in the United States. Her ability to evoke deep emotion with her warm contralto voice attracted wide praise. In 1961, she sang at President John F. Kennedys inaugural ball, and her solo performance set the tone at the March on Washington
this page online
Mahalia Jackson bought the house at 8358 South Indiana Avenue in 1956. Although her recordings sold millions of copies and she performed for presidents, prime ministers and royalty, she remained a sincere and affable person, surprised and touched by the breadth of her success. In her words, I love singing. Period.
Erected 1997 by Chicago Tribune Foundation, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago Cultural Center Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Religion & Religious Structures • Women. In addition, it is included in the Chicago Tribute, and the Grammy Award Winners series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1911.
Location. 41° 44.519′ N, 87° 37.182′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the South Side. It is at the intersection of South Indiana Avenue and East 84th Street, on the left when traveling north on South Indiana Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8358 South Indiana Avenue, Chicago IL 60619, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Thomas A. Dorsey (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Confederate Dead at Oak Woods Cemetery (approx.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 4, 2021
2. Mahalia Jackson home and marker
Also see . . .
1. Mahalia Jackson - Queen of Gospel (MahaliaJackson.us).
In the beginning: "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,(Submitted on December 14, 2021.)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."Photographed by Chicago Tribune3. Marker inset: Mahalia Jackson
2. Mahalia Jackson (Wikipedia).
"Mahalia Jackson (born Mahala Jackson; October 26, 1911 January 27, 1972)[a] was an American gospel singer, widely considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. With a career spanning 40 years, Jackson was integral to the development and spread of gospel blues in black churches throughout the U.S. During a time when racial segregation was pervasive in American society, she met considerable and unexpected success in a recording career, selling an estimated 22 million records and performing in front of integrated and secular audiences in concert halls around the world."(Submitted on December 14, 2021.)
3. Move On Up A Little Higher, Pts. 1 & 2 Mahalia Jackson 1947 (YouTube, audio only, 6 min.). "This is the REAL ORIGINAL VERSION, ripped from the 78 rpm vinyl, Apollo 164, recorded in 1947." (Submitted on December 14, 2021.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, December 6, 2021
4. Mahalia Jackson Bronzeville Walk of Fame plaque
Just north of East 33rd Street on South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive there is a Bronzeville Walk of Fame plaque for Mahalia Jackson.
4. Mahalia Jackson - Didn't It Rain (Live at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival) (YouTube, 4 min.). (Submitted on December 14, 2021.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 14, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,315 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 14, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on December 21, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
