Are you curious about Mahalia Jackson’s first husband? Theirs is a sweet-sad story. One that saw two people from different backgrounds meet in times of financial crisis but triumph, only to end in an unforeseen manner.
Mahalia Jackson made Isaac Hockenhull famous right after they worked together to elevate Jackson’s singing career. Her gospel songs, including Precious Lord, Take My Hand, and Trouble of the Word made her renowned.
Despite the fame and the grand plans Mahalia Jackson had for their relationship, pain and trouble struck. Here is all you need to know about Isaac Hockenhull, from his early life to his relationship with Mahalia Jackson.
Isaac Hockenhull’s Bio
Early Life
Hockenhull was born in November 1901 in Harvey, Illinois. His parents are Martha Ella Hockenhull and John Hockenhull Gray. The parents lived a life of privacy, not disclosing much about themselves. However, the mother is said to have dealt in hair products and hair.
Hockenhull’s Education and Work
Isaac Hockenhull had studied up to university compared to Mahalia Jackson, who had studied up to the eighth grade. He attended Tuskegee Institute and Fisk University. There is no information about what he studied. Though many speculate he did a science course because he became a chemist.
Hockenhull is also remembered for inventing a small light bulb that stayed for years without going off. The bulb also served as a clock by shining at specific times of the day.
Besides investing in record royalties, he owned and ran different businesses. He owned one of the most expensive houses in Chicago. Despite all these, he still fell victim to gambling addiction. He was also narcissistic and had difficulties controlling his poor spending habits, eventually costing him a great wife.
Isaac Hockenhull’s Relationship
Who could have thought love could thrive during times of great financial disaster? Well, love came looking for Isaac Hockenhull amid the Great Depression. A period that had forced him to quit his job as a chemist and work as a postman.
Mahalia Jackson and Isaac Hockenhull met a year before starting to date. Hockenhull’s politeness, behavior, and composure swept Jackson off her feet, leading to their one-year date.
Even though Isaac was 10 years older than Jackson, they tied the knot in 1936 in a place within Chicago. Jackson was born in 1911 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her parents are Johnny Jackson, a barber and Baptist preacher, and Charity Clark.
The couple struggled financially through the Great Depression. Isaac was so supportive, helping Jackson sharpen her singing gift. Eventually, Mahalia Jackson’s singing eventually brought great returns, elevating their financial state.
Despite the couple’s financial situation changing for the better, Hockenhull developed a habit that led to their separation.
What led to the break up of Mahalia Jackson and Isaac Hockenhull?
After Mahalia Jackson became famous, she started going on tours and earning a lot for her music. Besides her music, she owned several businesses, including a flower shop and a beauty salon. She bought herself three flats in Chicago and an astonishing apartment within California.
As Jackson’s net worth grew, so did Hockenhull’s spend recklessly. He became addicted to betting and spent Jackson’s money to buy a racing horse. His impulsive spending was getting out of control to the extent of using Jackson’s possessions as collateral when taking debts.
Mahalia Jackson tried to reason with Isaac. She requested him to stop splurging her money, but Hockenhull kept going.
As time passed, Hockenhull started pushing Mahalia Jackson into the secular music industry. He wanted Jackson to expand her horizons and start singing other kinds of songs other than gospel.
Mahalia Jackson remained adamant in her mission to sing only gospel songs. She even turned down numerous offers to produce mainstream music.
Due to continued trouble from Isaac Hockenhull, she decided to terminate the relationship. They split up in 1941. What an unanticipated ending!
Isaac Hockenhull’s wife got married a second time. Her next pick was Sigmond Galloway, a well-known Jazz and gospel musician. The couple met through their friends and decided to seal the deal in 1964.
Even though she married a fellow musician, the relationship did not last long. Galloway was abusive and a deadly cheater. He even deserted her when she needed him the most as her health declined. They divorced in 1967.
On the 27th of January 1972, Mahalia Jackson died with a net worth of around $24 million. Heart seizures claimed her life.
Isaac Hockenhull’s Death
Hockenhull perished in July 1973. No record mentions the cause of his death.
Overall, Isaac Hockenhull was an educated man blessed with a great wife, only to lose her to his impulsive habits. His wife, Mahalia Jackson, is a legendary gospel singer who is forever in the hearts of her fans despite her bittersweet history.
