Marian Anderson was a famous contralto who enjoyed a long career performing in concerts and in operas.
Born in Philadelphia, her gift for singing was recognized early and was nurtured in her local church choir. Her congregation raised money to put her in music school. She later received free voice lessons from a leading tenor. She won competitions and performed with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Due to racial discrimination limiting her opportunities here at home, she went overseas and developed her career in Europe and South America. She became a star. Toscanini described her voice as being a “once in a hundred years” phenomenon.
When she returned to the United States, in the late 1930s, with her reputation fully established, she was able to enjoy a flourishing career gaining many honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, The National Medal of Arts and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Interested in learning more about the Love One Another initiative? Visit the archives.