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