MLK Called Mahalia Jackson the ‘Queen of American Folk Music’

In a new letter released by The King Center, MLK called Mahalia Jackson the “Queen of American Folk Music.” Jackson was a close friend and confidante of MLK, and she played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.

Who is Mahalia Jackson?

Mahalia Jackson was an American gospel singer and civil rights activist. Jackson was one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was referred to as the “Queen of American Folk Music”. Jackson helped to shape the sound of modern gospel and was a key figure in the civil rights movement.

Jackson’s early life and career

Mahalia Jackson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 26, 1911. Her baptismal name was Mahala, but she later changed it to Mahalia, which was the name of one of her favorite aunts. Jackson’s father died when she was five years old, and her mother worked as a laundress to support the family.

Jackson began singing in church at an early age and first performed publicly when she was eight years old. She later joined theDOMINION TRAVELERS , a group of black gospel singers who toured throughout the United States and Europe. Jackson recorded her first album, WINGS OF SPIRIT , with them in 1947.

After leaving the Dominion Travelers, Jackson recorded several more albums and became one of the most popular gospel singers in the world. She toured extensively and performed at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953. In 1955, she moved to Chicago, where she became a regular performer at the city’s New waits bar .

Jackson’s impact on American music

Mahalia Jackson was one of the most influential gospel singers of the 20th century. She had a profound impact on American music and helped to shape the sound of popular music for generations. Jackson’s rich, powerful voice was instantly recognizable and her heartfelt renditions of spirituals and hymns were filled with emotion and conviction. She was a master of improvisation and her powerful delivery could bring listeners to tears. Jackson’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from Aretha Franklin to Bob Dylan.

What did MLK say about Jackson?

In a 1964 speech in New York City, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. called Mahalia Jackson the “queen of American folk music.” Jackson, who was a gospel singer, had become friends with King in the early 1950s.

The “Queen of American Folk Music”

In a 1964 interview, shortly after Jackson’s death, King described her as “the queen of American folk music” and “one of the greatest singers that has ever lived.” He praised her ability to connect with her audience and to communicate the feelings of the African-American experience.

Jackson’s influence on MLK’s work

Mahalia Jackson was not only the “Queen of American Folk Music,” she was also a good friend and influence on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In fact, Jackson is credited with helping Dr. King write his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.

It is said that Jackson was in the audience at the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. King gave his historic speech. As he was speaking, Jackson shouted out to him, “Tell them about the dream, Martin!” In response, Dr. King improvised the famous line, “I have a dream…”

Afterward, Jackson helped Dr. King edit his speech so that it would be more effective in communicating his message to the world. Thanks to her input, the “I Have A Dream” speech is now considered one of the most important speeches in American history.

How did Jackson respond to MLK’s compliment?

Jackson was one of the first African American women to achieve crossover success in the music industry. She was a powerful singer with a contralto voice and a range of nearly three octaves. When Jackson heard MLK’s compliment, she was surprised and humbled.

Jackson’s reaction to being called the “Queen of American Folk Music”

Mahalia Jackson was one of the most influential gospel singers of the 20th century. She was also a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, King once called her the “Queen of American Folk Music.”

Jackson was reportedly moved by the compliment. “I wept, I just couldn’t help it,” she said. “For a man of his stature to say something like that about little old me, it just meant so much.”

Jackson’s impact on American music

Mahalia Jackson was a legendary figure in the world of American music. She is often referred to as the “Queen of American Folk Music” and was an immensely influential figure in both the world of gospel music and the Civil Rights Movement.

In 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Jackson was standing near Martin Luther King Jr. as he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. As King began to speak extemporaneously about his dream for America, Jackson reportedly shouted out, “Tell them about the dream, Martin!”

King turned to Jackson and said, “That’s all right, Mahalia, I’m doing my best.” He then went on to deliver one of the most famous speeches in American history.

Jackson’simpact on American music is impossible to overstate. She was a powerful force in both gospel and secular music, and her influence can still be felt today.