Though moved and inspired by the rich traditions of the blues, Mahalia Jackson, who began her career in the 1930s, lived by her firm belief in singing only for God, a credo which resulted in a surge in popularity of traditional black gospel music among both black and white audiences. Jackson's voice was a deep and dramatic contralto. Her gospel anthems and hymns mixed Baptist and Sanctified Church singing styles with the soul of the blues, resulting in a new sound with a stronger beat and deeper rhythm that permanently changed gospel music.
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