MAHALIA JACKSON [ca. 1950s-60s] Photo archive

Np, [ca. 1950s-1960s]. Set of fourteen vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) and 7 x 9″ (18 x 23 cm) black-and-white photos. Some have date stamps and printed text on verso, one with printing notations in margin, overall very good+.

American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972) is widely considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. With a career spanning 40 years, Jackson was integral to the development and spread of gospel blues in Black churches throughout the U.S. During a time when racial segregation was pervasive in American society, she met considerable and unexpected success in a recording career, selling an estimated 22 million records and performing in front of integrated and secular audiences in concert halls around the world, making her one of the best-selling gospel music artists. (Wikipedia)

One photo shows Jackson with Sammy Davis Jr. waiting to perform at the 1963 March On Washington. A few photos document her work in film and television. The photo of her next to a microphone is at a Carnegie Hall concert to benefit the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.