How Mahalia Jackson Brought Gospel to the World
A powerful voice filled the concert hall, carrying music that many listeners had first heard in church. The singer was Mahalia Jackson, and the music was gospel. Through recordings, concerts, and performances for the civil rights movement, Jackson helped gospel reach people far beyond the churches where it grew.
Gospel music expresses Christian faith through song. It developed from several traditions, including African American spirituals, hymns, and the blues. Gospel singers often use changes in rhythm and volume to express strong feelings. A singer might stretch a word across several notes or repeat a phrase, giving it new meaning each time.
Jackson was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana. As a child, she sang in church and heard music throughout the city. New Orleans was known for its lively musical traditions, including jazz and blues. Although Jackson chose to sing religious music, the sounds around her helped shape the rich, expressive way she sang.
In 1927, Jackson moved to Chicago, Illinois. Many African Americans were moving from the South to northern cities in search of jobs and different opportunities. They brought musical traditions with them, and Chicago became an important center for gospel music. Jackson sang in churches and joined gospel musicians who traveled to share their songs.
- traditions:
- Ways of doing things that are passed from one generation to another.
- rhythm:
- The pattern of beats in music.
- expressive:
- Clearly showing feelings or ideas.
- elements:
- Parts of something larger.
- audiences:
- Groups of people who watch or listen to a performance.
- influence:
- The effect someone or something has on others.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1How did Mahalia Jackson help gospel music reach people beyond churches?
- 2How did the music Jackson heard in New Orleans influence her singing?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“How Mahalia Jackson Brought Gospel to the World” is a explanatory article reading passage about Gospel music, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (468 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.