Great Gettin' Up Morning - Mahalia Jackson - The World's Greatest Gospel Singer

Released in 1959, Great Gettin' Up Morning serves as a foundational entry in Mahalia Jackson's tenure with Columbia Records. During this period, Jackson was actively bridging the gap between traditional gospel music and a broader secular audience, a transition facilitated by Columbia's high-fidelity production standards. The album was conceived as a testament to her commanding vocal presence and deep spiritual commitment, capturing the essence of the soulful, rhythmic delivery that established her as a pivotal figure in American music.

The album's design and production were characterized by Columbia's commitment to showcasing Jackson's voice with clarity and reverence. Arranged by Percy Faith, the tracks feature lush, orchestral accompaniment that departed from the sparse instrumentation often found in church settings. While contemporary gospel critics sometimes debated the influence of pop-style arrangements on the genre's purity, the album was widely received as a definitive showcase of Jackson’s artistry, solidifying her reputation as the preeminent gospel voice of the mid-century era.