Jackson, Mahalia (1911-1972)

US gospel singer. She made her first recording in 1934, and her version of the gospel song ‘Move on Up a Little Higher’ was a commercial success in 1945. Jackson became a well-known radio and television performer in the 1950s and was invited to sing at the presidential inauguration of John F Kennedy.

Born in New Orleans and brought up in a religious home, Jackson began singing religious music in the choir of her local church. In 1927 she left home for Chicago and became a member of the Greater Salem Baptist Church choir, where she distinguished herself as an outstanding soloist.