Grace Bumbry, born on January 4, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, was a pioneering American opera singer renowned for her rich mezzo-soprano voice and dynamic stage presence. She was a trailblazer among African-American classical singers, following in the footsteps of Marian Anderson. Bumbry gained international recognition in 1961 when director Wieland Wagner cast her as Venus in Richard Wagner’s “Tannhäuser” at the Bayreuth Festival, making her the first Black singer to perform there. ?Wikipedia

Throughout her illustrious career, Bumbry performed at major opera houses worldwide, including the Royal Opera House in London, La Scala in Milan, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her repertoire encompassed both mezzo-soprano and soprano roles, showcasing her vocal versatility. Notable performances include Amneris in Verdi’s “Aida,” Carmen in Bizet’s “Carmen,” and the title role in Puccini’s “Tosca.” ?Wikipedia

Bumbry’s contributions to the arts were recognized with numerous accolades. In 1972, she received a Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. She was also named Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres by the French government and was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2009 for her influence on American culture through the performing arts. ?Wikipedia

Grace Bumbry passed away on May 7, 2023, in Vienna, Austria, at the age of 86. Her legacy endures as a groundbreaking artist who not only captivated audiences with her performances but also paved the way for future generations of African-American opera singers.