HWOF

Mahalia Jackson ( /məˈheɪljə/ mə-HAYL-yə; October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice, she was referred to as “The Queen of Gospel”. Jackson 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 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen “golds“—million-sellers.

• Birth name: Mahala Jackson
• Also known as: Halie Jackson
• Born: October 26, 1911 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Died: January 27, 1972 (aged 60) Evergreen Park, Illinois, U.S.
• Genres: Gospel
• Occupations: Singer
• Years active: 1927–1971
• Labels: Decca Coral Apollo Columbia
• Associated acts: Albertina Walker Aretha Franklin Dorothy Norwood Della Reese Cissy Houston

Read more about Mahalia Jackson at Wikipedia or at the Internet Movie Database

Guitars, fiddles greet Jazz Fest early birds
Yahoo Entertainment, 2012-04-27 21:41:05
Music fans poured through the gates at Friday's start of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, staking out spots to catch performances by The Beach Boys, Steel Pulse and Irma Thomas, who is performing a tribute to gospel great Mahalia Jackson.

'American Idol': Where Are Katharine McPhee, Leah LaBelle Now?
MTV News, 2012-01-18 11:53:15
We also check in with Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Constantine Maroulis and more 'Idol' alumni before season 11 kicks off.By Jim Cantiello Katharine McPhee Photo: Getty Images "American Idol" kicks off its 11th season Wednesday night with its first of eight audition episodes. But before we're inundated with a new ...

Playlist: Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings' 'Gee Baby'
USA Today Music, 2011-10-31 23:28:21
The pick goes to the former Rolling Stones bassist and all-star buddies. Among the week's intriguing tracks: Mahalia Jackson, Merle Haggard.