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Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was a celebrated African American contralto and a pivotal figure in the struggle for racial…
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Hello! My name is Marian Anderson. When I was a little girl growing up in Philadelphia, my favorite thing in the whole world was to sing. I sang in my church choir, and my voice was big and strong. Singing made my heart feel full of sunshine, and I loved sharing that sunshine with everyone who listened.
I grew up and wanted to sing for everyone in big, beautiful concert halls. But in the 1930s, some places would not let me sing because of the color of my skin. This was very unfair and made me sad. But a kind friend, Eleanor Roosevelt, helped me. She made it possible for me to sing at a very special place in Washington, D.C., so everyone could come and hear me.
So, on a sunny spring day in 1939, I stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I sang for thousands and thousands of people! My voice floated out over all the happy faces. It was one of the most important days of my life. I showed everyone that music is for all people, no matter what they look like.
I lived to be 96 years old. I am remembered for sharing my voice and helping to open doors for other singers like me. I hope you will always share your own special song with the world.
Marian Anderson: A Voice for Everyone
Hello! My name is Marian Anderson. When I was a little girl growing up in Philadelphia, my favorite thing in the whole world was to sing. I sang in my church choir, and my voice was big and strong. Singing made my heart feel full of sunshine, and I loved sharing that sunshine with everyone who listened.
I grew up and wanted to sing for everyone in big, beautiful concert halls. But in the 1930s, some places would not let me sing because of the color of my skin. This was very unfair and made me sad. But a kind friend, Eleanor Roosevelt, helped me. She made it possible for me to sing at a very special place in Washington, D.C., so everyone could come and hear me.
So, on a sunny spring day in 1939, I stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I sang for thousands and thousands of people! My voice floated out over all the happy faces. It was one of the most important days of my life. I showed everyone that music is for all people, no matter what they look like.
I lived to be 96 years old. I am remembered for sharing my voice and helping to open doors for other singers like me. I hope you will always share your own special song with the world.
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Marian Anderson was a celebrated African American contralto and a pivotal figure in the struggle for racial equality. She broke racial barriers in the classical music world, most famously with her 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial and her 1955 debut at the Metropolitan Opera.
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