Black First of the Day

1955

Marian Anderson (1897-1993)

In 1955 Marian Anderson (1897-1993), one of the twentieth century's most celebrated singers, was the first black to sing a principal role with the Metropolitan Opera. She made her debut as Ulrica in Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera on January 7 and remained with the opera for seven performances. In October 1930 Anderson received critical acclaim for her concert at the Bach Saal in Berlin and from there embarked on an extensive tour of Europe. She made national news in 1939 when the Daughters of the American Revolution refused to allow her to appear at their Constitution Hall. Anderson continued to tour until her farewell trip in the 1964-65 season.

Sources: Hine, Black Women in America, pp. 29-33; Current Biography Yearbook, 1940, pp. 17-19; 1950, pp. 8-10; Smith, Notable Black American Women, pp. 14-20; Story, And So I Sing, pp. 37-58.

From Black Firsts: 4,000 Ground-Breaking and Pioneering Events by Jessie Carney Smith, © 2013 Visible Ink Press®. A celebration of achievement, accomplishments and pride.