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September 1947

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Achievement · music
Mahalia Jackson records 'Move On Up a Little Higher' — 8 million copies sold

Mahalia Jackson recorded 'Move On Up a Little Higher' on September 12, 1947, written by the Reverend W. Herbert Brewster. The Apollo Records single sold eight million copies — the best-selling gospel single in history — and catapulted Jackson to national prominence as 'the Queen of Gospel.' The recording transformed gospel from church music into a commercial and cultural force.

Events

  1. September 12, 1947
    Mahalia Jackson records 'Move On Up a Little Higher' — 8 million copies sold

    Mahalia Jackson recorded 'Move On Up a Little Higher' on September 12, 1947, written by the Reverend W. Herbert Brewster. The Apollo Records single sold eight million copies — the best-selling gospel single in history — and catapulted Jackson to national prominence as 'the Queen of Gospel.' The recording transformed gospel from church music into a commercial and cultural force.

  2. September 13, 1947
    T-Bone Walker records 'Call It Stormy Monday'

    T-Bone Walker recorded 'Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)' on September 13, 1947, in Hollywood, releasing it on Black & White Records. The record became a chart hit in 1948 and is considered one of the most influential blues recordings ever made. Walker's jazzy electric guitar work inspired B.B. King to take up the instrument and helped define urban electric blues.