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Mahalia Jackson Biography

Singer

Mahalia Jackson grew up singing in church, moved from New Orleans to Chicago when she was a teenager, and eventually went into business in real estate and as a shop owner. All the while she continued to sing gospel, turning down offers to perform professionally. She finally began recording in the 1930s, and a decade later her own "Move On Up A Little Higher" became a million-seller. She toured the world, appeared in films and on television, and performed at the inauguration of U.S. president John F. Kennedy. She is considered one of America's greatest gospel singers.