Marian Anderson — American Contralto
Marian Anderson (1897–1993) was an acclaimed American contralto and one of the most celebrated singers of the 20th century. She gained international recognition for her remarkable vocal talent and became a trailblazer for African American artists in classical music.
One of the notable events in her career occurred in 1939 when the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused to allow her to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., because of her race. In response, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President Franklin D. Roosevelt arranged for Anderson to perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday of that year. The event, attended by a diverse crowd of over 75,000 people, became a symbol of the civil rights movement.
Marian Anderson’s contributions to music and her role in breaking racial barriers have left a lasting legacy. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
