Throughout Black History Month, we will highlight various artists whose influence helped mend race relations in America through music. Today’s highlight is opera legend, Marian Anderson.
Powerful without being intimidating. Flawless and inviting. You don’t have to be a fan of opera music to recognize the beauty in Marian Anderson’s voice.
In the early 1900s, Anderson’s singing career began in a small Baptist church choir. And by studying and learning each voice’s part, she began perfecting her incredible vocal range. Initially, Marian was rejected from singing on “Whites Only” stages and was denied admission into segregated performing arts colleges. However, the racial tensions of early 20th century America were no match for Anderson’s voice, and the budding opera legend moved to Europe, touring there for several years.
After being well-received in Europe, white Americans became more receptive to Anderson, and in 1955, she became the first black American to perform at New York Metropolitan Opera. Her presence in Europe helped shape a positive image of black Americans throughout the world. Performing at NY’s Metropolitan Opera helped give more entertainment opportunities for other singers of color.
Amidst political and social unrest, Marian Anderson shared her talents with classical pieces like, “Ave Maria,”
…making it possible for singers like Beyonce to enjoy the same privileges.
In our pop-culture obsessed society, we sometimes forget to applaud the pioneers of the very art forms we vlog, blog, and consume ourselves with everyday. Positively Celebrity salutes Marian Anderson for being a civil rights trail blazer and for having one of opera’s most outstanding voices.
(February 27, 1897 – April 8, 1993)
Visit www.mariananderson.org to learn more about Marian Anderson’s legacy and for information about the scholars programs created in her honor.
And be sure to check back often to Positively Celebrity for more of the greatest movie news and reviews from Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity!
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