Isaac Lane Grey Hockenhull, often referred to as Ike Hockenhull, remains a figure whose brief marriage to the renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson cast a shadow over his otherwise private life. Hockenhull’s connection to Jackson, one of the most influential figures in gospel music, places him in the annals of musical history, though his own legacy is far less celebrated. While his personal struggles and the collapse of his marriage to Jackson have been recorded, much of Hockenhull’s life remains obscure.
Early Life and Background
Isaac Hockenhull was born on November 15, 1901, in Como, Mississippi, a small town in Panola County. He was the son of Robert and Martha Ella Hockenhull. Hockenhull came from a modest background, and much of his early life is marked by the harsh realities of the early 20th century, particularly the difficulties of growing up in the segregated South during a period of economic hardship.
While little is known about his early education or career ambitions, it is clear that Hockenhull was a man with a scientific background. He was trained as a chemist, a profession that pointed to a future of intellectual work and potential success. However, by the time he crossed paths with Mahalia Jackson in the mid-1930s, Hockenhull was no longer practicing chemistry. Instead, he had taken up work as a postman.
The shift from a promising career in chemistry to the more humble role of a postal worker reflects the economic struggles of the time, particularly the impact of the Great Depression, which started in 1929 and persisted throughout much of the 1930s. Despite his professional background, it was clear that Hockenhull was not immune to the financial difficulties faced by many during this era.
Marriage to Mahalia Jackson
Isaac Hockenhull’s most significant claim to fame lies in his marriage to Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel. They met in 1935 and were married the following year, in 1936, when Jackson was just 25 years old. The couple’s union, however, was not built to last. Their marriage was fraught with tension and turmoil, primarily due to Hockenhull’s personality and personal issues, which would ultimately lead to their separation in 1941.
Financial Struggles and Side Business
The couple’s financial difficulties began shortly after their marriage. During this time, Jackson’s gospel music career was taking off, and she was experiencing some degree of success. However, she was still struggling financially and was not yet the household name she would become. Hockenhull, who had lost his job as a postman, was unable to provide much financial support. He and Jackson turned to a small side business to make ends meet. They began making homemade hair and skincare products based on formulas provided by Hockenhull’s mother. The couple sold these products door to door, and Mahalia would also sell them while traveling for her gospel performances.
The Conflict Over Secular Music
Despite their financial hardships, Hockenhull’s insistence on trying to reshape Jackson’s career into something more secular would prove to be one of the most destructive aspects of their marriage. At a time when Jackson was gaining recognition for her gospel singing, Hockenhull, who had a penchant for betting on racehorses, urged her to abandon gospel music and switch to secular music, which he believed would bring in more money.
Mahalia’s Commitment to Gospel Music
Hockenhull’s insistence on Jackson’s switch to secular music was a constant point of contention in their marriage. Jackson, however, was resolute in her commitment to gospel music. Her strong religious convictions and her dedication to singing spirituals and hymns kept her from giving in to Hockenhull’s demands, despite the financial pressures they faced. Mahalia Jackson’s refusal to transition to secular music was a key moment in her career, and it helped to define her as one of the most important figures in the history of gospel music.
The “Swing Mikado” Incident
One notable moment in their marriage occurred when Jackson was offered a role in a secular jazz adaptation of The Swing Mikado. While she was initially interested in the part, she ultimately turned it down after learning that Isaac had found a new job. This incident highlighted the deep rift between the couple, as Jackson was determined to remain true to her faith and musical roots.
Struggles with Addiction and Financial Instability
Hockenhull’s gambling problem compounded the problems in his marriage to Jackson. His addiction to racehorse betting led him to squander much of the money Jackson earned from her growing gospel music career. Even when she was away touring, Hockenhull would take out loans and run up debts, further straining the couple’s finances.
Despite Jackson’s efforts to help him, Hockenhull’s gambling addiction continued to threaten their marriage. He became a frequent source of stress and disappointment for Jackson, who was dedicated to her music and her faith. Hockenhull’s lack of support for her gospel singing career and his reckless behavior led to a breakdown in their relationship.
Ultimately, after five years of marriage, Jackson and Hockenhull separated in 1941. Their divorce was relatively quiet, with no public scandals or dramatic events. Jackson would go on to marry again in 1964, this time to Minters Sigmond Galloway, a contracting salesman. She found love once more, but the legacy of her first marriage to Isaac Hockenhull would continue to shape her personal life.
Later Life and Death
After his separation from Mahalia Jackson, Isaac Hockenhull’s life faded from the public eye. He did not seek out fame or recognition, and much of his later years were spent away from the spotlight. Hockenhull’s later years were marked by relative obscurity, and he continued to live a private life away from the fame of his ex-wife.
Isaac Hockenhull passed away on July 15, 1973, in Harvey, Illinois, at the age of 71. He was buried at the Washington Memory Gardens in Homewood, Illinois. His death went largely unnoticed by the public, as he had long since faded from the public eye, and his life was no longer tied to the gospel music scene.
Legacy
Although Isaac Hockenhull’s life and legacy are not widely celebrated, his connection to Mahalia Jackson ensures that he will always be a part of her story. Jackson went on to become one of the most influential gospel singers of all time, and her impact on gospel music and the Civil Rights Movement remains immeasurable. Her career took off in the years following her divorce from Hockenhull, and she was later honored with countless awards and accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
For Hockenhull, his legacy is far less clear. He is remembered primarily for his brief marriage to Mahalia Jackson and his role in trying to change the direction of her career. However, his life is largely overshadowed by the enduring fame of his ex-wife, who became a legend in her own right.
Hockenhull’s life serves as a reminder of the personal struggles that many artists face behind the scenes. His marriage to Jackson highlights the pressures of maintaining a relationship with a person of such immense talent and success, as well as the complications that arise from addiction and financial instability. While his life may not have been as remarkable as Jackson’s, his story is an important part of the narrative surrounding one of gospel music’s greatest icons.
Conclusion
Isaac Hockenhull may not have achieved the fame and recognition that Mahalia Jackson did, but his role in her life was significant nonetheless. Their marriage, marked by financial struggles, personal conflicts, and Hockenhull’s destructive gambling habits, ended in divorce, but not without leaving an indelible mark on Jackson’s personal and professional life. Hockenhull’s legacy remains overshadowed by the immense success of his ex-wife, but his connection to the Queen of Gospel ensures that his place in history is not forgotten.
