Born: October 26, 1911, New Orleans, Louisiana

Died: January 27, 1972, Evergreen Park, Illinois

The Mississippi River at the foot of Magazine Street became the baptismal water for 14-year-old Mahalia Jackson. The next day, the youngster, who had already gained a reputation for her strong, clear voice, told her cousin Celie that the Lord had spoken to her and told her to “open my mouth in His name.” Jackson never faltered from that mission, del...