Mahalia Jackson - Young Patriot Series #7 Paperback

Introducing Mahalia Jackson—Gospel Singer and Civil Rights Champion

"Halie" Jackson grew up in poverty on the levees of New Orleans, hunting alligators for food along the Mississippi River with her brother Peter. But every Sunday young Mahalia sang proudly in the church choir—the youngest member at age 5!

Mahalia left school after eight grade and worked as a maid to help support her family. However, her passion for singing her special brand of music known as "gospel" never wavered. Performing for royalty, presidents, and working closely with her friend Martin Luther King, the "Queen of Gospel" found special joy encouraging young African-Americans to follow their ambitions.

Text in this title originally published in the Children of Famous Americans series.