Mahalia Jackson’s “Move On Up a Little Higher”: A Song of Freedom Through God

It is one of the most well-known gospel songs out there, brimming with emotion and aesthetic qualities while also acting as a cry for black freedom. Mahalia Jackson’s “Move On Up a Little Higher” is a song that is loved by many during her time and surely in the future. 

The skilled artist behind the words of the masterpiece was none other than William Herbert Brewster, which was also an African American Baptist minister.

The song promotes the upward mobility of the black population, echoing postwar Afro-modernist attitudes. It’s about standing up for the freedom that every human being is entitled to.

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Contrary to common perception, the song was not first recorded by Mahalia; rather, it was recorded by Brother John Sellers in late 1946. However, when gospel music queen, Mahalia Jackson, released her version in 1947, it became an immediate smash.

Because Mahalia was able to sell around eight million copies of the aforementioned single, it was already established that major recognized organizations were able to pay attention to her. 

Making the song eligible for a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998. Furthermore, the song was also named to the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts list of Songs of the Century.

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As a result, it is regarded as one of Mahalia Jackson’s top hits. And there is no mistake about that since Jackson was able to bring out the message of the song via her lovely voice, which sets her apart from other musicians.

So, if you want to listen to highly hopeful music during your downtime, then “Move On Up a Little Higher” by Mahalia Jackson is the perfect music to listen to. You can listen to the song by clicking here.