This Day in History January 4, 1937

By Ruth on January 4, 2014 in history, Music
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On this date in 1937, Grace Melzia-Bumbry was born.  Never heard of her?  Nor had I.  She was one of the leading opera singers of her generation, and she paved the way for African-Americans in this profession.  At  the age of 17, she won a talent contest on a St. Louis radio station.  Part of the prize was scholarship to a local conservatory, but they refused to admit a black student.  She studied for two years at Boston University, and then she transferred to Northwestern University in Chicago.  Her opera career began in 1959, in London, and it was not until 1963, that she debuted in the U.S.  In 1962, she performed for President Kennedy at a state dinner.  In 2009, she received Kennedy Center Honors for achievement in the performing arts.  She acts as a master teacher and judge for young singers.

For more info:

http://www.biography.com/people/grace-bumbry-21088649

http://gracebumbry.com/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/grace-bumbry.html

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RuthView all posts by Ruth
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka Ruth is an inspirational entertainment journalist who instinctively sees the best in all and seeks to share universal beauty, love and positivity. She is an artist who leads with her heart and gives readers a glimpse of the best of this world through the masterful use of the written word. Ruth was born in Tacoma, Washington but now calls Yelm, Washington her home. She lives on five acres with her parents, a dog, two miniature goats, cats and a teenage daughter who is a dynamic visual artist herself. Ruth interviews fellow artists both inside and outside of the film/television industry. At the core of all she does is the strength of her faith.

1 Comment

  1. Angela Haskins January 4, 2014 Reply

    Stories like this always amaze me. It also makes me thankful that people like her paved the way for future generations.

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