Isaac Hockenhull is a historically significant figure. He gained prominence through his marriage to the celebrated gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in 1936.
His occupation as a chemist and his family background have stirred interest among numerous fans and history enthusiasts alike.
This article will explore Isaac Hockenhull’s life, his family background, his marriage to Mahalia Jackson, his career as a chemist, and his impact on history.
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Quick Bio
| Full Name | Isaac Lane Gray Hockenhull |
| Gender | Male |
| Birthdate | November 15, 1901 (estimated) |
| Birthplace | Como, Panola, Mississippi, USA |
| Death | July 1973, Harvey, Cook, Illinois, USA |
| Parents | John Gray, Martha Mattie Ella Hockenhull |
| Biological Father | Robert Hockenhull (born 1870) |
| Profession | Chemist |
| Spouse | Mahalia Jackson (1936–1964) |
| Children | N/A |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Physical Attributes | N/A |
Early Life & Background
Isaac Lane Gray Hockenhull was born on November 15, 1901, in Como, Mississippi. His parents were John Hockenhull and Mattie Danner.
In the early 20th century, things were tough for many families, and Isaac faced challenges growing up. Initially, he wanted to be a chemist, but during the hard times of the 1930s Depression, he ended up working as a postman.
Isaac’s early life shaped his journey, and his relationship with Mahalia was influenced by the difficulties of the times.
Isaac Hockenhull’s Professional Life
Isaac Lane Gray Hockenhull, or Ike Hockenhull, worked as a chemist for over 40 years. He also had a short stint as a postman during the tough times of the 1930s Depression. However, there isn’t much detailed information available about Isaac’s career and work life.
Isaac Hockenhull’s Married Life
In 1936, Isaac Lane Gray Hockenhull tied the knot with Mahalia Jackson, a well-known gospel singer, in Chicago, Illinois. Their marriage endured for 28 years, concluding with a divorce in 1964.
Who Is Mahalia Jackson?
Mahalia Jackson, born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, faced challenges early on when her mom passed away at four. She was raised by her aunt Mahalia “Duke” Paul.
She defied the ban on secular music, discovering her love for singing through her cousin’s secret records. Singing hymns and gospel tunes as a kid, she showcased her powerful voice at Plymouth Rock Baptist Church in New Orleans.
As a teen in Chicago, she became a soloist in the Greater Salem Baptist Church choir, marking the start of her amazing gospel singing career.
Mahalia Jackson’s Career Highlights
Mahalia Jackson’s early life was shaped by a strict religious upbringing and exposure to music from her cousin. She became a standout singer in the choir of Greater Salem Baptist Church in Chicago during her teenage years.
In the 1930s, she gained fame on a cross-country gospel tour, impressing audiences with songs like “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”
Guided by Thomas A. Dorsey, a key figure in gospel music, Jackson played a crucial role in making it popular. She had an amazing career with eight records, each selling over a million copies.
She stood out at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival and performed at President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration. Active in the civil rights movement, she spoke before a massive audience of 250,000 during the 1963 March on Washington.
Mahalia’s unique style and powerful voice made her one of the most celebrated gospel singers, earning multiple Grammy Awards for her significant contributions to music.
Mahalia & Isaac Hockenhull’s Divorce
Mahalia Jackson and Isaac Hockenhull’s divorce was a tough time in their long marriage. Around 1943, they decided to separate because Isaac had issues with gambling and kept pushing Mahalia to sing secular music, which wasn’t her thing.
Money problems added strain, like Isaac using Mahalia’s assets for debts and buying a racehorse without her okay.
The divorce let Mahalia focus on her successful singing and investments, but it also brought personal struggles for Isaac. This whole experience showed how outside pressures and personal problems can affect even strong relationships.
Post-Divorce Period
After Mahalia Jackson and Isaac Hockenhull divorced in the early 1940s, Mahalia focused on her singing career and investments, becoming a famous gospel singer.
Isaac’s life after the divorce is less known. The end of their marriage had a big impact on both, shaping what came next in their separate lives.
Mahalia Jackson’s Tragic Passing
Mahalia Jackson passed away at 60 due to heart disease on January 27, 1972, in a Chicago hospital. Her funeral drew a large crowd, with 45,000 to 50,000 people paying their respects at The Rivergate in New Orleans.
The seven-hour viewing featured her open mahogany casket enclosed in glass. Following her wish to rest in New Orleans, she was buried at Providence Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Metairie, Louisiana.
Her death was a big loss, and even President Richard Nixon acknowledged her greatness, calling her “one of the greatest women of our day.”
Isaac Hockenhull’s Parents
Isaac Hockenhull grew up under the care of John Gray and Martha Ella (Danner) Gray, with Robert Hockenhull being his biological father. Not much information is publicly available about John Gray and Robert Hockenhull.
Martha Gray
Madam M. E. Hockenhull, also known as Martha Ella (Danner) Gray, was born on May 13, 1873, in Panola County, Texas. She married Reverend John Gray and played a crucial role in raising Isaac Lane Gray Hockenhull.
Sadly, she passed away on December 18, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 64 and was laid to rest in Worth, Illinois. Her life is remembered for her business acumen and the positive impact she made in her community.
Isaac Died At The Age Of 71
Isaac Lane Gray Hockenhull passed away in July 1973 in Illinois at the age of 71. His death marked the end of a life devoted to his career as a chemist. The precise location of his passing is not detailed in the information available.
Isaac Hockenhull’s Net Worth
There isn’t any publicly accessible information regarding Isaac Hockenhull’s net worth.
