Marian Anderson, a pioneering contralto, was born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia. Her remarkable journey in the world of music began at a young age when she gained attention for her exceptional voice in the African American Union Baptist Church choir and later performed with the People’s Chorus in Philadelphia.
Anderson's talent led her to study with renowned voice teacher Giuseppe Boghetti, and she made her first appearance at the Philadelphia Academy of Music in April 1918 with the New York Clef Club Syncopated Orchestra.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Anderson performed regularly in Europe and signed a recording contract with RCA Victor in 1924, becoming the first Black American to do so.
One of her significant milestones was her debut at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1920 and her performance at the New York Philharmonic vocal competition in 1925, where she became the first Black solo artist to appear with the orchestra.
In 1939, Anderson faced discrimination when denied a performance at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., by the Daughters of the American Revolution due to her race. This incident led to a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, attended by an estimated 75,000 people.
Anderson continued to break barriers throughout her career, making history with her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1955 at the age of 57. She received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1977.
Her legacy was further honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991. Anderson passed away on April 8, 1993, at the age of 96 in Portland, Oregon, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of music and a legacy of resilience and talent.
