This autobiography by Marian Anderson is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of one of the most accomplished singers of the 20th century.
The book covers Anderson's rise to fame, including her historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, as well as her personal life and experiences as a black woman in the United States during a time of segregation.
The author, Marian Anderson, is a celebrated singer who has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.
This book is a great addition to any collection of biographies and true stories, particularly for those interested in learning about the struggles and triumphs of black women in America.
Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was an American contralto who overcame racial prejudice to become one of the most celebrated singers of her time. She was known for her powerful voice and her wide range of repertoire, which included opera, spirituals, and folk songs.
Anderson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a working-class family. She began singing at a young age, and by her early teens, she was performing in local churches and community events. After graduating from high school, she studied voice with Giuseppe Boghetti, one of the leading vocal coaches of the time.
In 1925, Anderson made her New York City debut at Carnegie Hall. She was immediately hailed as a prodigy, and her career quickly took off. She toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, performing to sold-out audiences.
However, Anderson's career was often hampered by racism. In 1939, she was denied permission to sing at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., by the Daughters of the American Revolution, a women's organization that was opposed to racial integration. In response, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the DAR and helped to arrange for Anderson to perform at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday. The concert was broadcast live on radio and was heard by an estimated 75 million people around the world. It was a landmark event in the civil rights movement, and it helped to raise Anderson's profile as a symbol of racial progress.
Anderson continued to perform throughout her life, and she received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She died in 1993 at the age of 96, but her legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
Anderson was a role model for African Americans and for all people who faced discrimination. She showed that it is possible to overcome adversity and achieve success through talent, determination, and courage.