Marian Anderson

About

Marian Anderson was a renowned American contralto, celebrated for her powerful and expressive voice. Born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, she rose to fame despite facing racial barriers. Anderson's career spanned decades, with performances in major concert halls and opera houses across the United States and Europe. Her European tours in the 1930s showcased her versatility, singing opera, spirituals, and classical music. She became an international sensation, performing for monarchs and audiences worldwide. Anderson's most notable moment came in 1939 when she sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after being denied access to Constitution Hall due to racial segregation. This iconic performance highlighted her role in the civil rights movement. On January 7, 1955, she made history as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera. Anderson received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Kennedy Center Honors. She retired from public performance in 1965 and passed away on April 8, 1993, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in classical music and a symbol of racial equality.