And So I Sing: African American Divas Of Opera and Concert

by Rosalyn Story

Black women bring a host of influences and ideologies with them to opera -- as well as their spirituality, their strengths and passions. The exclusion of blacks from opera for so many generations impoverished both the artists and the artistic world from which they were barred. Imagine if Leontyne Price had been born 50 years earlier, during a time when she would not have been allowed on an American opera stage. This book not only supplies portraits of the greatest artists for future generations of students of black art and culture, but also rescues from history's shadows the lost legacies of geniuses born too soon. Photos.

Genres: Music

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Rosalyn Story lives in Dallas. Her first book, And So I Sing: African American Divas Of Opera And Concert (Warner), inspired the PBS documentary Aida’s Brothers and Sisters: A History of Blacks in Opera, in which she appeared as featured narrator. She has written on music and art for Essence, Emerge, American Visions, Stagebill, Opera News, and The Crisis magazines. A full-time classical musician, she plays violin with the Fort Worth Symphony.

Reviews

[lola Franco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got while I temped at amistad press. So sad how these extremely talented women were treated.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

And So I Sing was a find at my university library, and I liked it so much I had to purchase a copy for myself. Not only does this book feature “the greats”, but I learned about so many lesser known singers from history. You know about Anderson, Verrett, Bumbry, Norman, etc. but do you know Sissieretta Jones, Elizabeth Taylor-Greenfield, the Hyers sisters, Camilla Williams, Dorothy Maynor, etc.? The book is out of print, from 1990, but an important snapshot in opera history. It belongs on every university library shelf, for sure.

[Michael C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this work by Ms. Story. It is much more than merely a biographical history of great Black operatic voices. The book dates from 1990 and deserves to be in every library and any reading groups looking for a stimulating, thought provoking read.

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I picked up at the High school garage sale - my non-fiction pick to make me look interesting!