Marian Anderson was an American singer who was one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated performers. Marian Anderson was born in Philadelphia on February 27, 1897, to John Berkley Anderson and Annie Delilah Rucker. Her family was all devout Christians who attended Union Baptist Church. Because of her talent, her aunt persuaded her to join the church choir when she was only six years old. She started getting paid to sing at local events. Marian was a successful singer in her teens. Her father died when she was 12, and the family had to relocate because they couldn’t afford school or music lessons. Marian persisted in her career.
Interesting facts about Marian Anderson:
Marian was denied admission to the Philadelphia Music Academy due to her race.
Marian Anderson won first place in a singing competition sponsored by the New York Philharmonic in 1925. As a result, she joined the orchestra.
Despite her talent, racism was prevalent in the United States, making it difficult for her to perform in as many venues as she should have.
Marian Anderson made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1928.
Marian Anderson left the United States to pursue a singing career in Europe, where she enjoyed a successful tour.
Marian Anderson performed at London’s Wigmore Hall in 1933. She was well received.
Marian discovered her regular pianist and vocal coach in Scandinavia. She also met a composer, who wrote a number of songs for Marian to perform over the years.
Marian Anderson was persuaded by her manager to return to New York and perform at Town Hall in 1935.
Arturo Toscanini, the conductor, told Marian Anderson in 1935 that she “had a voice heard once in a hundred years.”
Even with racial prejudices still prevalent, Marian Anderson was performing at approximately 70 recitals per year in the United States by the late 1930s.
Marian Anderson was denied access to many hotels because she was African American. Marian was frequently invited to stay with Albert Einstein, who was anti-discrimination.
The Daughters of the American Revolution denied Marian Anderson permission to perform at Constitution Hall in 1939. As a result, the Marian Anderson Citizens Committee was formed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. They circulated petitions and picketed the school board.
Many DAR members resigned as a result of the committee, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
On January 7, 1955, Marian Anderson became the first African American to perform at New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
Marian Anderson performed at President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1957.
Marian Anderson performed at President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.
Marian Anderson retired from singing in 1965, but she continued to perform publicly on occasion.
Marian Anderson received numerous awards, including the NAACP Spingarn Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United Nations Peace Prize, the Congressional Gold Medal, and Kennedy Center Honors, among others.
Marian Anderson died in Portland, Oregon, at the age of 96, from heart failure.
