Agnes Jackson

Celebrated for her angelic and dramatic soprano voice, Agnes Jackson was a gospel vocalist. Born September 25, 1931, Agnes was the fifth of nine children born to Reverend Chester A. Jackson Sr. and Anna Fields Jackson in St. Louis, MO. She and her sisters were standout members of Newstead Avenue Missionary Baptist Church Church’s children and youth choirs. She studied to become a teacher, but after completing her studies at Stowe Teachers College, music would become her primary teaching tool as she committed her life to spreading the word of Christ through song. Jackson launched her singing career on the St. Louis gospel scene – but ended up spending several decades traveling the world as a singer. She sang with the renowned Geneisa Smith and spent several years as a member of The Famous Ward Singers. Jackson joined the legendary group in the late 1960s and was the featured soloist on several of The Clara Ward Singers’ songs including “Up Above My Head,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” and “I Believe.” Jackson’s work with The Clara Ward Singers led to her relocation to Los Angeles, where she spent more than 30 years. She was a highly sought after studio singer and traveled nationally and internationally using her gift of song to spread God’s word. Jackson retired to her hometown of St. Louis in 2016, where she remained until her death in May 12, 2019.