Marian Anderson (1897-1993)

Marian Anderson was born in Philadelphia on February 27, 1897 with the gift of music and the curse of racism. She used her magnificent contralto voice to enrich American culture and her strength of character to overcome the blight of prejudice. Although her early musical training was sporadic because her family lacked resources, a scholarship enabled her to study abroad under distinguished teachers.


When Arturo Toscanini heard her perform at the Salzburg festival in 1935, the maestro was so impressed that he said to her: "A voice like yours is heard only once in a hundred years." After gaining international prominence, she returned to America to give 70 recitals during 1938. When she was denied the opportunity to perform in Constitution Hall in 1939, she triumphed over adversity to sing before a crowd of 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial.


Not until 1955 did Marian Anderson break the color barrier at the Metropolitan Opera house. By then, nearly 58 years old, she was past her prime. Shortly before her career ended a decade later, she sang at the presidential inauguration of John F. Kennedy.


As a black American who overcame adversity to achieve renown, Marian Anderson embodied the civil rights movement. However, this aspect of her life should not overshadow her stature as a performer. Musical experts, noting the uniqueness of her vocal qualities, have acclaimed her to be one of the greatest contraltos of the Twentieth century. She developed a wide repertoire ranging from the spirituals of her black culture to the songs of Bach and Brahms to the folk music of Scandinavia.

[Mermelstein, David. "Two Marian Andersons, Both of Them Real." New York Times. 23 Feb. 1997.]