Honoring the Incredible Legacy of Mahalia Jackson: Revealing Her Net Worth at Time of Death

Mahalia Jackson was a powerhouse of a woman and an incredible singer who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Hailed as “The Queen of Gospel” and “The World’s Greatest Gospel Singer”, Jackson’s music will live on forever. Her incredible singing voice was legendary and she has been credited as an inspiration for numerous singers. But, how much was she worth when she passed away in 1972?

Mahalia Jackson’s Early Life and Rise to Fame

Mahalia Jackson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 26, 1911. She was the eldest of six children and raised by her single mother. She had a strong religious upbringing and was a devout Christian. At the age of five, she was already singing in the choir of the local Baptist church.

Jackson’s career began to take off in the late 1920s when she began performing in churches and local clubs. In the early 1930s, she caught the attention of composer and record producer J.V. Babb, who recorded and released some of her earliest recordings.

In the 1940s and 50s, Jackson became a national sensation and the most prominent gospel singer in the US. She appeared on numerous radio programs and made regular appearances on the TV show “This Is the Life”. Jackson also toured extensively and recorded a number of albums.

Mahalia Jackson’s Contribution to the Civil Rights Movement

Jackson’s influence extended far beyond music. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and her music was often used to rally support for the cause. She was a close friend of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and sang at a number of his public events, including the famous March on Washington D.C. in 1963. Her performance of “I’ve Been ‘Buked and I’ve Been Scorned” at the event is considered one of the highlights of the march.

Mahalia Jackson’s Last Years and Death

In the early 1960s, Jackson moved to Chicago to be closer to her family. Her later years were marked by ill health and she ceased touring in 1965. Despite her poor health, she continued to perform occasionally and recorded her final album, “The Power and the Glory”, in 1971.

Jackson died in Chicago on January 27, 1972 at the age of 60. Her funeral was attended by over 10,000 people and she was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1973.

Mahalia Jackson’s Net Worth at Time of Death

At the time of her death, Mahalia Jackson had a net worth of approximately $5 million. This wealth was accrued largely through her music career and her work with the civil rights movement. She also owned several properties in Chicago.

The Legacy of Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her music was an integral part of the civil rights movement and her powerful voice continues to inspire singers around the world. Her incredible legacy will live on forever.

Tributes to Mahalia Jackson

In the years after her passing, many tributes have been paid to the amazing singer. In 1998, the US Postal Service issued a stamp featuring her likeness. And in 1999, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2011, a tribute concert was held in her honor in New Orleans, featuring performances from some of the biggest names in gospel music. And in 2015, a biographical film was released about Jackson’s life and music.

Honors and Awards

Throughout her career, Jackson was the recipient of numerous honors and awards. She won a Grammy award in 1967 and was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1973. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

Mahalia Jackson’s Musical Impact

Jackson’s music has been an inspiration for numerous gospel singers and her influence is still felt today. She was a major influence on Aretha Franklin, who cited Jackson as one of her main musical influences. Her music has also been covered by numerous singers, including Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.

Memorials and Monuments

Several memorials and monuments have been erected in Jackson’s honor. A memorial sculpture of Jackson was unveiled in 2014 in New Orleans and a mural of her was installed in 2015 in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

Conclusion

Mahalia Jackson was an incredible singer and an inspiring advocate for civil rights. Her powerful music and tireless advocacy for the cause will never be forgotten. Her wealth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $5 million. Her inspiring legacy lives on and will continue to touch people for generations to come.