Biographies of the Heroes:

Mahalia (Mahala) Jackson

All text and images are 2007 Christopher Sunami.
(Illustrations by Michael Krone)
All rights reserved.
No duplication in any form
except by written permission of the author.
Reprinted here by permission.

Mahalia Jackson was born out-of-wedlock to a poor black family in New Orleans on October 26, 1912. After being orphaned as a child, she was raised by her aunt until the age of fifteen, when she moved to Chicago. There she joined a gospel band at a Baptist church, and later embarked on a solo career after teaming up with the talented gospel composer Thomas A. Dorsey. Her big break in the music business came when her recordings were popularized by radio host Studs Terkel. By the time of her death, she had an international reputation as the greatest living gospel singer. She was often criticized for her love of money; yet she was also known for acts of great generosity towards friends, family and strangers. Her honors included the Silver Dove Award, the French Academy of Music Award, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She died on January 27, 1972 in Evergreen Park, Illinois.

Notable Attributes:

Artistry, Integrity

Principles:

Put God First
Find Your Own Path
Live Your Faith
Maximize Your Resources