Mahalia Jackson, the 'Queen of Gospel,' was the first gospel singer to gain international fame. With her powerful contralto voice, she brought the music of the Black church to Carnegie Hall and the world's most prestigious stages. Jackson was a close friend and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and performed at the 1963 March on Washington. It was Jackson who reportedly shouted, 'Tell 'em about the dream, Martin!' during King's speech, prompting him to pivot to the 'I Have a Dream' portion. She famously refused to sing secular music, even when offered massive sums of money, staying true to her faith and her roots. Her recordings of 'Move On Up a Little Higher' and 'Precious Lord, Take My Hand' remain definitive. Jackson’s voice was a powerful force for both spiritual and social change.