Songs From The Heart - Mahalia Jackson

1911–72

“Gospel music is nothing but singing of good tidings—spreading the good news,” said songstress Mahalia Jackson. “It will last as long as any music because it is sung straight from the human heart.”

She grew up in New Orleans, singing in her Baptist church. Mahalia moved to Chicago at the age of sixteen, quickly connecting with a prestigious church choir and touring with another gospel group. She became famous for singing the songs of composer Thomas A. Dorsey, often considered the father of gospel music. His “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” became a standard for her. In 1947, her “Move on up a Little Higher” became the best selling gospel single ever. A decade later, she connected with composer Doris Akers to record a number of new gospel songs.

From the 1930s into the 1970s, Mahalia Jackson dominated the world of gospel music, making many records and winning many awards. She sang at President Kennedy’s inaugural ball, the 1963 March on Washington, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral. All the while, Mahalia refused to sing secular music, though she had no problem bringing jazz stylings into her gospel songs.

“I sing God’s music because it makes me feel free,” she’s quoted as saying. “It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues.”

So, what songs are you singing?

This question isn’t just about music. It’s about your attitude, your emotions, your expression of what’s most important to you. In your Facebook posts, do you join with all your friends who are “singing the blues” about some issue or another? In your daily conversation, do you let others call the tune? Or do you express what’s truly in your heart, the good news of gospel truth? Do you “sing” your own jazzy rendition of life with God-given creativity?

Mahalia Jackson knew poverty firsthand, and she used her remarkable gift to bring hope and help to those who continued to struggle. A strong supporter of the civil rights movement, she lent her voice to the cause whenever she could. According to one report, before Martin Luther King spoke at the March on Washington, she said, “Tell them about the dream.” She shared her own dream of God’s love and redemption every time she sang.

I will sing of your love and justice, LORD. I will praise you with songs.

Psalm 101:1