Mahalia Jackson was a pioneering figure in gospel music, known for her rich contralto voice and emotionally charged style. Born in New Orleans in 1911, she drew on her Southern Baptist roots to create a distinctive sound that merged spiritual themes with blues-inflected melodies. Jackson's influential works include "Move On Up a Little Higher" and "I've Been Buked," and she is often credited with bringing gospel music into the mainstream. Her legacy is marked by her significant impact on future soul and R&B singers.