Mahalia Jackson was an American gospel singer who was widely regarded as one of the twentieth century’s most influential vocalists.
Jackson’s 40-year career was critical to the development and spread of gospel blues in black churches across the United States.
Jackson was married twice; first to Isaac Hockenhull and second to Sigmond Galloway. Here’s everything we know about Jackson’s first husband Hockenhull.
Who is Mahalia Jackson’s first husband Isaac Hockenhull?
Isaac ‘Ike’ Hockenhull was the son of John Hockenhull Gray and Martha Ella Hockenhull. In 1936, Hockenhull married Mahalia Jackson, a well-known gospel singer, in Chicago.
During the 1930s Depression, Isaac, a chemist, found himself working as a postman. In 1935, Isaac met his future wife Mahalia. Isaac wowed Mahalia, and the two married after a year.
Isaac’s mother, Martha, sold her own hair and skin care products, and she gave her son and new daughter-in-law 200 formulas. The newlyweds tried unsuccessfully to sell them.
Due to their financial difficulties, Isaac persuaded a reluctant Mahalia to pursue her singing career, which she did, progressing from gospel to jazz and stage.
But Mahalia refused to leave gospel behind, eventually opening a successful beauty salon and purchasing a building while touring on weekends.
As Mahalia’s career and investments grew, Isaac struggled with a gambling addiction, purchasing a racehorse with Mahalia’s money while she was on tour and using her assets as collateral for his debts, so they agreed to divorce amicably around 1943.
This article was originally published in 2023. It has been revised and updated to reflect current events. We’ve edited this article to add more context and relevant pictures and videos. Despite the careful revision and editing from our editorial desk, there might be a few loopholes and incomplete information in this article. If you find this article unhelpful or incomplete and would like to contribute to it, do reach out to our Chief Editor via [email protected]
