The iconic American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson’s ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow‘ was one of the tracks played on the drama series This Is Us last night — This Is Us, Season 5, Episode 6, “Birth Mother” (aired on January 12th, 2021).
The song was heard as officers arrive at the Dubois home to tell the family about Laurel’s brother Jackson.
Mahalia Jackson’s version of the gospel hymn ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow‘ was originally released in 1958, and is a cover of the classic 1905 gospel song that was written by Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel.
The Ethel Waters version of the song is the one most people know, although Mahalia Jackson was awarded a post-humous Grammy Award Hall of Fame award for her release more than 30 years after her death. (listen to Mahalia singing ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’ after the promo for another song from the same This Is Us episode…)
Listen to Joy Oladokun’s ‘Breathe Again’ from This Is Us, Season 5, Episode 6, “Birth Mother”
Other popular releases of the song in recent years include those from the American musical duo Ha*Ash and Whitney Houston.
Listen to Mahalia Jackson’s ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’ as heard on This Is Us in the video below. There is also a beautiful live version the gospel singer gave below that, which is well worth a watch.
As for This Is Us, the fifth season of the popular family drama series is currently airing on NBC.