Mahalia Jackson is considered one of the greatest gospel singers of all time, and her music continues to inspire and uplift listeners decades after her passing. Her powerful voice and soulful delivery helped popularize gospel music and brought it to mainstream audiences. With a career that spanned over four decades, Jackson released numerous albums and singles, many of which have become iconic and timeless classics. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Mahalia Jackson songs of all time. From powerful spirituals to joyful celebrations of faith, her music has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Each song on this list represents a different aspect of Jackson’s career and showcases her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her music, this list is sure to showcase the very best of Mahalia Jackson’s remarkable talent and legacy.
1. I Will Move On Up a Little Higher
“I Will Move On Up a Little Higher” by Mahalia Jackson is a classic gospel song that speaks of hope, faith, and perseverance. The song opens with a gentle piano melody, which is then joined by Mahalia’s powerful voice. Her voice starts off low, but as the song progresses, it grows stronger and more confident, soaring to incredible heights. The lyrics speak of overcoming obstacles and rising above them, with lines like “I’ll keep on climbing higher until I reach the sky” and “I’ll keep on working harder until my work is done.” Mahalia’s vocals are soulful and emotional, imbuing the song with a sense of urgency and determination. This song has been an inspiration to many, and its message of perseverance and hope continues to resonate with listeners today.
2. Nobody Knows The Trouble I Have Seen
“Nobody Knows The Trouble I Have Seen” is a hauntingly beautiful spiritual that speaks of the pain and suffering that can come with life. The song opens with a simple piano melody, which sets the somber tone of the piece. Mahalia Jackson’s voice is powerful and emotional, delivering the lyrics with a sense of sadness and longing. The lyrics speak of the trials and tribulations that we all face, with lines like “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, nobody knows my sorrow.” However, the song also offers a sense of comfort and hope, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Mahalia’s vocals are both raw and refined, with a deep understanding of the emotional depth of the song. This spiritual is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and its message of hope in the face of adversity continues to resonate with listeners today.
3. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a classic hymn that speaks of the comfort and solace that comes from having a close relationship with God. The song opens with a simple piano melody, which sets the peaceful tone of the piece. Mahalia Jackson’s voice is rich and soulful, delivering the lyrics with a sense of reverence and devotion. The lyrics speak of the power of prayer and the importance of turning to God in times of need, with lines like “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer” and “All our sins and griefs to bear.” Mahalia’s vocals are both powerful and tender, conveying a deep sense of faith and trust in God. This hymn has been a source of comfort and inspiration for many, and its message of hope and faith continues to resonate with listeners today.
4. Come On Children, Let’s Sing
“Come On Children, Let’s Sing” is an upbeat gospel song that encourages listeners to lift their voices in joyful praise. The song opens with a catchy piano riff, which is then joined by Mahalia Jackson’s exuberant vocals. The lyrics speak of the power of music to lift the spirit and bring people together, with lines like “Music is a universal thing, it makes the world sing” and “Come on children, let’s sing, let’s sing, let’s sing.” Mahalia’s vocals are full of energy and enthusiasm, conveying a sense of joy and celebration. This gospel song is a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire, and its infectious melody and message of unity continue to resonate with listeners today.
5. There Is A Balm In Gilead
“There Is a Balm in Gilead” is a poignant spiritual that speaks of the healing power of God’s love and grace. The song opens with a mournful piano melody, which sets the somber tone of the piece. Mahalia Jackson’s voice is emotive and soulful, delivering the lyrics with a sense of longing and desperation. The lyrics speak of the pain and suffering that we all experience, with lines like “Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work’s in vain” and “There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.” Mahalia’s vocals are both powerful and tender, conveying a deep sense of faith and trust in God’s ability to heal and restore. This spiritual is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the transformative nature of God’s love, and its message of comfort and healing continues to resonate with listeners today.
6. How I Got Over
“How I Got Over” is a powerful gospel song that speaks of overcoming adversity through faith and perseverance. The song opens with a rousing piano intro, which is then joined by Mahalia Jackson’s soulful vocals. The lyrics speak of the trials and tribulations that we all face in life, with lines like “I’ve been knocked down, but I won’t be turned around” and “I know my soul’s been anchored in the Lord.” Mahalia’s vocals are full of passion and emotion, conveying a deep sense of faith and resilience. This gospel song is a testament to the power of faith to overcome even the most difficult challenges, and its message of hope and perseverance continues to inspire listeners today.
7. Trouble Of The World
“Trouble of the World” is a haunting spiritual that speaks of the pain and suffering that can come with life. The song opens with a mournful piano melody, which sets the somber tone of the piece. Mahalia Jackson’s voice is full of emotion, delivering the lyrics with a sense of sadness and longing. The lyrics speak of the trials and tribulations that we all face, with lines like “Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, a long ways from home” and “I’m going to lay down my burden, down by the riverside.” Mahalia’s vocals are both raw and refined, with a deep understanding of the emotional depth of the song. This spiritual is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and its message of hope in the face of adversity continues to resonate with listeners today.
8. Walk In Jerusalem
“Walk in Jerusalem” is an upbeat gospel song that speaks of the joy and celebration of walking with God. The song opens with a lively piano riff, which is then joined by Mahalia Jackson’s exuberant vocals. The lyrics speak of the joy and freedom that come with a life lived in faith, with lines like “I want to be ready when Jesus comes” and “I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in.” Mahalia’s vocals are full of energy and enthusiasm, conveying a sense of joy and celebration. This gospel song is a testament to the power of faith to uplift and inspire, and its message of unity and joy continues to resonate with listeners today.
9. In The Upper Room
“In The Upper Room” is a beautiful gospel song that speaks of the spiritual experience of being in the presence of God. The song opens with a gentle piano melody, which is then joined by Mahalia Jackson’s soulful vocals. The lyrics speak of the profound sense of peace and comfort that comes with being in the presence of God, with lines like “In the upper room with Jesus, I’m at peace and I’m at rest” and “I can feel the Holy Spirit, moving in my soul.” Mahalia’s vocals are full of emotion and sincerity, conveying a deep sense of spirituality and connection to the divine. This gospel song is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and the transformative power of spirituality.
10. Didn’t It Rain
“Didn’t It Rain” is an upbeat gospel song that speaks of the joy and celebration that come with a life lived in faith. The song opens with a catchy piano riff, which is then joined by Mahalia Jackson’s exuberant vocals. The lyrics speak of the power of faith to bring joy and happiness into our lives, with lines like “I said it rained, didn’t it rain, children, oh my Lord” and “When the Lord gets ready, you’ve got to move.” Mahalia’s vocals are full of energy and enthusiasm, conveying a sense of joy and celebration. This gospel song is a testament to the power of faith to uplift and inspire, and its message of hope and celebration continues to resonate with listeners today.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
