Date of Birth: February 10, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Biography
Mary Violet Leontyne Price, known as Leontyne Price, is an acclaimed American soprano who made significant contributions to the world of opera. Born on February 10, 1927, in Laurel, Mississippi, Price emerged as one of the first African American singers to achieve international fame in the opera world. Her illustrious career began in the 1950s and spanned over four decades, during which she became particularly renowned for her performances in works by Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Price’s journey to stardom began with her role in the NBC television production of “Tosca” in 1955. She made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1961 in the role of Leonora in Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” a performance that received critical acclaim and established her as a leading soprano. Throughout her career, Price was celebrated for her rich, warm voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances. Leontyne Price has received numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Kennedy Center Honors, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She retired from full-scale opera performances in 1985 but continued to give recitals and concerts until 1997. Price remains a beloved figure in the classical music world and an inspiration to many aspiring musicians.
5 Interesting Facts about Leontyne Price
1. Leontyne Price was the first African American to open a season at the Metropolitan Opera, doing so in 1961.
2. She has won 19 Grammy Awards, making her one of the most awarded classical singers.
3. Price was a student of the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.
4. She performed at the inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.
5. Price’s 1961 debut performance at the Metropolitan Opera was hailed with a 42-minute ovation.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Leontyne Price
1. “The ultimate of being successful is the luxury of giving yourself the time to do what you want to do.”
2. “Accomplishments have no color.”
3. “You should always know when you’re shifting gears in life. You should leave your era; it should never leave you.”
4. “Who I am is the best I can be.”
5. “I am here and you will know that I am the best and will hear me.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Leontyne Price’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Leontyne Price does not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Leontyne Price – Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leontyne-Price
2. [Leontyne Price – Kennedy Center](https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/p/pa-pz/leontyne-price/
3. [Leontyne Price – Grammy Awards](https://www.grammy.com/artists/leontyne-price/2235
