Washington, D.C. ((October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) age 60 yrs

Known as the “queen of gospel music,” Mahalia Jackson started singing in church choirs as a young child. She began recording in her early twenties. She received national recognition by appearing at Carnegie Hall. She also appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. She actively participated in the civil rights movement. She sang at the March on Washington in 1963. She also performed at the funeral for Martin Luther King, Jr.