In the Upper Room (Proper)

Mahalia Jackson

Though moved and inspired by the rich traditions of the blues, Mahalia Jackson, who began her career in the 1930s, lived by her firm belief in singing only for God, a credo which resulted in a surge in popularity of traditional black gospel music among both black and white audiences. Jackson's voice was a deep and dramatic contralto. Her gospel anthems and hymns mixed Baptist and Sanctified Church singing styles with the soul of the blues, resulting in a new sound with a stronger beat and deeper rhythm that permanently changed gospel music.