RIP Reverend Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Leader, Gospel Music Fan

By Robert M. Marovich

JGM was saddened to hear of the passing of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. on February 17, 2026. He was 84.

Reverend Jackson was a civil rights leader, organizer, activist, leader of Operation Breadbasket and founder of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow Coalition, presidential nominee, and fighter for everyone’s ability to experience the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

In addition to everything already being said about Rev. Jackson’s achievements, it should be noted that he also loved gospel music.

Under Rev. Jackson’s leadership was the Operation Breadbasket Choir and the Operation PUSH Choir. He delivered an extended message on Aretha Franklin’s second gospel album, 1987’s One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. He sang “We Shall Overcome” with Mahalia Jackson in Chicago in 1966. Rev. Jackson knew a great deal about the history of gospel music. He could speak eloquently at length, and without notes, on such artists as Archie Brownlee of the Original Five Blind Boys. I can’t tell you how many gospel music-related events in Chicago where I saw him in the room. It was an honor to present him with a copy of my book, A City Called Heaven, during one Founder’s Day at First Church of Deliverance, though I knew nothing in the book would be a revelation to him. He knew gospel because he lived gospel.

How could Rev. Jackson not love gospel? His church home was Chicago’s Fellowship M.B. Church, founded by another civil rights icon, Rev. Dr. Clay Evans. Fellowship was the church all the singers and musicians attended to experience its music ministry, led by Dr. LouDella Evans Reid.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Rev. Jesse L. Jackson’s family, friends, and many followers.