Mahalia Jackson-In The Upper Room (1959)

Mahalia Jackson is undoubtedly the most admired and respected gospel singer and African American religious music artist in history. Considered a diva of the genre, she transcended being a prominent singer and performer; her religious and social commitment led her to participate in numerous advocacy activities alongside Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. Despite collaborating with jazz greats like Duke Ellington, she never accepted offers to record or participate in projects within that genre, limiting herself to singing spiritual music and recording countless works within that style. Nominated for several Grammy Awards and winner of other prestigious prizes, her discography, while not extensive, is one of the richest and most fundamental in the history of gospel music, having resonated worldwide and cementing her status as one of the great icons of contemporary music.