Date of Birth: September 15, 1945
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: September 30, 2019
Biography
Jessye Norman was an American opera singer and recitalist, renowned for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Born in Augusta, Georgia, she displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age. She received her early musical training at Howard University before continuing her studies at the Peabody Institute and the University of Michigan. Norman’s career took off in Europe during the 1960s and 1970s, where she became a celebrated figure in the opera world. She made her operatic debut in 1969 in Berlin, performing in Wagner’s “Tannhäuser.” Over the years, she built a diverse repertoire, including works by Wagner, Strauss, and Verdi, and became known for her interpretations of French operatic and orchestral songs. Her lush, dramatic soprano voice earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors. Norman was also known for her humanitarian work, advocating for arts education and diversity in classical music.
5 Interesting Facts about Jessye Norman
1. Jessye Norman was the first African American woman to receive the prestigious Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art, First Class.
2. She performed at the second inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1985 and at the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution in 1989.
3. Norman received more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees from various universities and colleges around the world.
4. She was a member of the British Royal Academy of Music and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
5. Jessye Norman established the Jessye Norman School of the Arts, a free after-school program for children in Augusta, Georgia.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jessye Norman
1. “Pigeonholing is only interesting to pigeons.”
2. “Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself.”
3. “I have a particular love for the French music. I find it so very beautiful and delicate and atmospheric.”
4. “If I can help one person along the way, then my life will have been worth living.”
5. “It is not a question of being better than anyone else; it is a question of being the best you can be.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth Jessye Norman achieved is estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
Jessye Norman did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Jessye Norman – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessye_Norman
3. [Jessye Norman School of the Arts](https://www.jessyenormanschool.org/
4. [Jessye Norman – Grammy Awards](https://www.grammy.com/artists/jessye-norman/5123
