1. "Move on Up a Little Higher."
5 essential Mahalia Jackson songs
A primer for Penumbra Theatre's tribute show on the recordings that shaped her career.
October 17, 2011 at 4:57PM
Her biggest seller, it is now ranked in both the Grammy Hall of Fame and Rolling Stone's "500 Songs That Shaped Rock."
2. "How I Got Over."
Her performance at the 1963 March on Washington electrified the crowd of 200,000-plus.
3. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord."
She sang it at the funeral of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Aretha then sang it at hers.
4. "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho."
Became one of the biggest gospel recordings by one of her biggest fans, Elvis.
5. "His Eye Is on the Sparrow."
Recorded by virtually every gospel singer and New Orleans act of note. Her many renditions are definitive.
