Have you ever wondered about the man who was married to the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson? His name was Isaac Hockenhull, and while he may not be as well-known as his famous ex-wife, his life story is just as fascinating. In this blog post, we’ll explore the life and times of Isaac Hockenhull, from his early years to his marriage to Mahalia Jackson and beyond.
Get ready to learn about a man who played a significant role in the life of one of the greatest gospel singers of all time.
Who Was Isaac Hockenhull?
Isaac Lane Gray Hockenhull was born on November 15, 1901, in the small town of Como, Mississippi. His parents were John Hockenhull, who was 33 at the time of Isaac’s birth, and Mattie Danner, who was 28. Isaac was the youngest of their children.
Not much is known about Isaac’s childhood, but we do know that he was a bright young man who went on to graduate from two prestigious historically black colleges: Fisk University and Tuskegee Institute. It’s clear that education was important to Isaac and his family.
After completing his studies, Isaac began working as a chemist. However, like many Americans during the Great Depression, he struggled to find steady work in his field. To make ends meet, he took a job as a postman, delivering mail to the people of his community.
Despite the challenges he faced, Isaac remained determined to make something of himself. He had a curious mind and a drive to succeed, qualities that would serve him well throughout his life.
Early Life and Education
Isaac Hockenhull was born into a family that valued education and hard work. His mother, Martha “Mattie” Danner Hockenhull, was a successful businesswoman in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she owned a beauty business and possibly a beauty school. In 1917, she even published pamphlets on health, hair care, and hygiene, showing her commitment to empowering others through knowledge.
Isaac’s stepfather, Robert Hockenhull, adopted him at a young age, which led to Isaac taking on the Hockenhull surname. Growing up in a household with such strong role models undoubtedly had a positive impact on Isaac’s own ambitions and drive.
After completing his early education, Isaac went on to attend two of the most prestigious historically black colleges in the country: Fisk University and Tuskegee Institute. At a time when educational opportunities for African Americans were limited, Isaac’s achievements were all the more remarkable.
It’s not clear what Isaac studied at these institutions, but given his later work as a chemist, it’s likely that he focused on the sciences. Regardless of his specific course of study, the fact that he graduated from both Fisk and Tuskegee is a testament to his intelligence, hard work, and determination.
Marriage to Mahalia Jackson
In 1941, Isaac Hockenhull’s life took a turn when he met and married Mahalia Jackson, a young gospel singer from New Orleans. The couple tied the knot on December 8, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, in what must have been a joyful celebration.
At the time of their marriage, Mahalia was just beginning to make a name for herself in the gospel music world. She had a powerful voice and a passion for spreading the word of God through song. Isaac, who was working as a chemist and postman, supported his wife’s musical ambitions.
For a brief period, the couple even ran a cosmetics business together, using formulas that Isaac had inherited from his mother. It must have been an exciting time for the young couple, as they worked to build a life and a future together.
However, despite their shared interests and goals, Isaac and Mahalia’s marriage was not without its challenges. Isaac struggled with a gambling addiction, which put a strain on their relationship. At the same time, Mahalia’s singing career was taking off, and she was spending more and more time on the road, performing for audiences across the country.
As Mahalia’s star rose, the couple’s differences became more pronounced. Isaac wanted a traditional marriage, with his wife at home taking care of the household, while Mahalia was determined to pursue her calling as a gospel singer. These conflicting desires eventually led to the breakdown of their marriage.
Divorce and Life After Separation
After just two years of marriage, Isaac Hockenhull and Mahalia Jackson divorced in 1943. The reasons for their split were complex, but it seems that Isaac’s gambling habits and Mahalia’s growing success as a singer both played a role.
For Mahalia, the divorce was a turning point in her life and career. Free from the constraints of an unhappy marriage, she was able to focus all her energy on her music. She went on to become one of the most beloved and influential gospel singers of all time, with a career that spanned decades and touched millions of lives.
For Isaac, the years following his divorce from Mahalia were likely difficult. Gambling addiction can be a devastating problem, and it’s not clear how Isaac coped with this challenge in the aftermath of his marriage. However, he seems to have remained in Chicago, where he and Mahalia had made their home.
Despite the end of their marriage, Isaac and Mahalia’s lives would remain intertwined. As Mahalia’s ex-husband, Isaac was a part of her story, and he would be mentioned in articles and biographies about the singer’s life. While their marriage didn’t last, it was an important chapter in both of their lives.
Later Years and Passing
After his divorce from Mahalia Jackson, Isaac Hockenhull largely faded from the public eye. He continued to live in Chicago, but little is known about his life in the decades following his split from Mahalia.
What we do know is that Isaac passed away in July 1973, at the age of 71. He died in Harvey, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, where he had lived for many years. The cause of his death is not publicly known.
At the time of his passing, Isaac had been divorced from Mahalia for 30 years. However, his connection to the famous singer ensured that his death did not go unnoticed. Obituaries and articles mentioned his former marriage to Mahalia, cementing his place in the story of her life.
While Isaac may not have achieved the same level of fame as his ex-wife, his life was nonetheless remarkable. From his early days in Mississippi to his education at Fisk and Tuskegee, his work as a chemist and postman, and his marriage to one of the most iconic gospel singers of all time, Isaac Hockenhull lived a life that was full of both challenges and achievements.
Legacy and Influence
Although Isaac Hockenhull’s life may not be as well-known as that of his famous ex-wife, his story is nonetheless an important one. As the first husband of Mahalia Jackson, he played a significant role in the life of a woman who would go on to change the face of gospel music and inspire millions of people around the world.
While their marriage was short-lived, it’s clear that Isaac and Mahalia had a profound impact on each other’s lives. For Mahalia, her time with Isaac was a formative period in which she was just beginning to explore her potential as a singer and performer. For Isaac, his marriage to Mahalia was a high point in a life that was marked by both triumphs and struggles.
Beyond his personal connection to Mahalia, Isaac’s story is also a reminder of the challenges and opportunities faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. From his mother’s success as a businesswoman to his own achievements in education and work, Isaac’s life was a testament to the resilience and determination of a generation of black Americans who fought to make a better life for themselves and their families.
In the end, Isaac Hockenhull’s legacy may be a quieter one than that of his ex-wife, but it is no less significant. His life was a reminder of the complex and often overlooked stories that make up the fabric of American history, and of the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and leave a lasting impact on the world.
Final Thoughts
The story of Isaac Hockenhull is one that deserves to be told. While he may not have achieved the same level of fame as his ex-wife, Mahalia Jackson, his life was nonetheless full of remarkable moments and achievements.
From his early years in Mississippi to his education at some of the country’s most prestigious black colleges, Isaac’s story is one of perseverance and determination. His work as a chemist and postman, and his brief marriage to Mahalia, all speak to a life that was marked by both challenges and triumphs.
While his struggles with gambling addiction undoubtedly took a toll on his personal life, Isaac’s legacy is one of quiet resilience in the face of adversity. His story is a reminder that even those who may not achieve widespread fame or recognition can still leave a lasting impact on the world around them.
As we look back on the life of Isaac Hockenhull, we are reminded of the importance of telling the stories of those who may have been overlooked or forgotten by history. By shining a light on the lives of people like Isaac, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of American life and culture.
In the end, the story of Isaac Hockenhull is one that deserves to be remembered and celebrated. His life may have been marked by both triumph and tragedy, but through it all, he remained a man of strength, determination, and quiet dignity. May his memory continue to inspire us all.
