Marian Anderson

Date of Birth: February 27, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: April 8, 1993

Biography

Marian Anderson was an American contralto and one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she gained international acclaim for her rich, expressive voice and her ability to perform a wide range of music, from opera to spirituals. Despite facing significant racial prejudice, Anderson broke numerous barriers for African Americans in the arts. One of her most notable achievements was her 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial, which she performed after being denied the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution. This event became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Anderson continued to perform at major venues worldwide and was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She was also an active supporter of civil rights throughout her life, using her talent and fame to combat racial injustice.

5 Interesting Facts about Marian Anderson

1. Marian Anderson was the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City in 1955.

2. She sang at the inauguration of two American presidents: Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.

3. Anderson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963.

4. She was the first African American to perform with the New York Philharmonic.

5. Marian Anderson was a delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and a goodwill ambassador to Asia.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marian Anderson

1. “As long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you otherwise might.”

2. “Prejudice is like a hair across your cheek. You can’t see it, you can’t find it with your fingers, but you keep brushing at it because the feel of it is irritating.”

3. “When I sing, I don’t want them to see that my face is black. I don’t want them to see that my face is white. I want them to see my soul.”

4. “None of us is responsible for the complexion of his skin. This fact of nature offers no clue to the character or quality of the person underneath.”

5. “You lose a lot of time, hating people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Marian Anderson’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but she earned significant income from her performances and recordings, and her influence and legacy are invaluable.