Margaret Aikens-Jenkins on YouTube

Many know the name Margaret Aikens from her songwriting (“Stranger in Galilee,” “Brighter Days Ahead,” “Thy Grace is Sufficient for Me”); her publishing work with Ollie Lafayette (Aikens and Lafayette); her record label (Mag-Oll); or her singing (Ladies of Song, Meltones).

Margaret was a Chicago mover and shaker who moved to California and remained active in the local gospel music scene for many years. She received so many awards that her walls were packed with them.

“Aunt Margaret” has since gone on home to her eternal reward. This short video, courtesy of her daughter Marie Wakefield, demonstrates that she sang and played with that petite charm and gleam in her eye until the very end.

So if you have never laid eyes on Margaret, who may not be as well-known as other gospel pioneers but deserves every bit the same props, or haven’t seen her in a long while, here you are!

Ladies and Gentleman, Chicago’s own Margaret Aikens-Jenkins!