Renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson dies at the age of 61. While working as a maid, nurse, laundress, beauty salon owner, and flower shop proprietress, she sang with the Greater Salem Baptist Church Choir. She began making records in 1937 and became one of the most famous gospel singers of all time. Although Jackson was close friends with Aretha Franklin and sometimes performed with Duke Ellington, she preferred not to be associated with the blues or jazz genres, which she influenced. She sang at John F. Kennedy's inauguration and at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr.