Mahalia Jackson Grave

Jackson circa 1962, photographed by Carl Van Vechten

Mahalia Jackson (pron.: /məˈheɪljə/ mə-HAYL-yə; October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice,^[2] she was referred to as "The Queen of Gospel".^[1][3][4] Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as "the single most powerful black woman in the United States".^[5] She recorded about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen "golds"—million-sellers.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahalia Jackson
• Mahalia Jackson on www.findagrave.com