Marian Anderson was an American singer who performed a wide range of music including opera and spirituals. She was a prominent figure in the African-American community, for taking on the challenges of Jim Crow laws and creating a successful career for herself spanning 40 years.
Born February 27, 1897 in Philadelphia, Anderson was the daughter of a school teacher and coal seller. As young as six-years-old she began singing in her church and at small functions like events for the YMCA. As she grew into her teens, she continued to sing and perform despite her family’s inability to pay for music lessons. Anderson would learn from anyone who was able to take the time out of their day.
As a young adult, she was turned away from the Philadelphia Music Academy for being black. Determined to continue her teachings, the black community helped provide lessons until she reached a wider audience.
She got her big break in 1925 after winning a contest sponsored by New York Philharmonic. Her prize was being able to sing with the company’s orchestra, to which she received great reviews.
She went on to perform across the U.S. and even Europe. During World War II and the Korean war, Anderson entertained troops in hospitals and at military bases with her music.
It wasn’t until Anderson was more established, and in her late 50s before she would debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera. 66 years ago, she became the first African-American soloist to sing a leading role, as a member of the company. She sang the role of Ulrica in Verdi’s Un Ballo en Maschera back in January 1955, with reviewers praising her for the performance.
Anderson later said about the evening, “The curtain rose on the second scene and I was there on stage, mixing the witch’s brew. I trembled, and when the audience applauded and applauded before I could sing a note, I felt myself tightening into a knot.”
She sang at the inaugurations of Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. In addition, she was designated a spokesperson to the United Nations as a “goodwill ambassador” for the country. Anderson was known to help charities and participate in different organizations.
Marian Anderson retired from the stage in 1965 and died in 1993. Today she remains revered in both the music industry and Black American history.