Mahalia Jackson, Always Look Up | Music Lifts

In the 11^th edition of Music Lifts (2026), we’re uplifted by legendary gospel musician Mahalia Jackson performing “Always Look Up.”

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”W” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]elcome to Music Lifts, featuring songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 11^th edition of Music Lifts (2026), we highlight “Always Look Up” as performed by Mahalia Jackson.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap] Mahalia Jackson (1911 – 1960) sings, and continues, “But never look down, always look up / It’s always darkest before dawn.” Amen! “Always Look Up” is the tenth and final track from the gospel music legend’s 1960 album, I Believe. This faith-based gem encourages us despite hard, inopportune times, tribulation, and trouble. She tells us to remember that God can do anything and that He is always with us. J. Beal, Freddy James, and J Shank composed it.

“Always Look Up” opens with warm piano and organ accompaniment. String bass and drums enter the mix alongside Mahalia Jackson.  Jackson is the star of the show, delivering a superb vocal performance. She sings with incredible poise, initially.  As “Always Look Up” progresses, she ups the ante. “With faith and hope living in your soul / You win the fight and obtain your goal,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “But never look down, always look up / Up to the almighty one.” Hallelujah! Beyond her own stunning pipes, gorgeous choral vocals support Jackson.  Also, the celestial orchestral cues accentuate the musical accompaniment.  Strings always provide a lift! “Always Look Up” is another Mahalia Jackson masterpiece that never grows old.

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Mahalia Jackson » I Believe » Columbia » 1960

Mahalia Jackson, Always Look Up: Music Lifts No. 11 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia; Emma Bauso, foad shariyati, nappy, Niko Twisty, Victoria Strelka_ph, Wolrider YURTSEVEN from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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