Beverly: An Autobiography

by Beverly Sills, Lawrence Linderman

Details the private life and the career--as operatic star and as director of the New York City Opera--of the soprano and impresario

Genres: Biography, Music, Memoir

339 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1988

About the author

Beverly Sills was a Jewish American operatic soprano who enjoyed a successful career during the 1950s through the 1970s. Although she sang a wide repertoire that encompassed everything from Handel and Mozart to Puccini, Massenet, Wagner, and Verdi, she was particularly famous for her performances in coloratura soprano roles in operas around the world and on recordings. Sills was largely associated with the operas of Gaetano Donizetti, of which she performed and recorded many roles. Her signature roles include the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor, the title role in Manon, Marie in La Fille du Régiment, the three heroines in Les contes d'Hoffmann, Rosina in The Barber of Seville, and Violetta in La Traviata.

After retiring from singing in 1980, she became the general manager of the New York City Opera. In 1994, she became the Chairman of Lincoln Center and then, in 2002, of the Metropolitan Opera, stepping down in 2005. Sills lent her celebrity to further her charity work for the prevention and treatment of birth defects.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revealing memoir of one of the most loved opera stars in America. She starts as a child in Brooklyn as a singer on a radio show and ends up as the general director of the New York City Opera. In between, she reveals the joy of her marriage and the tragedy of her children's handicaps. She shares memories of friendships with Marilyn Horne, Luciano Pavarotti and Carol Burnett. She retired at the height of her popularity.

[Ksenija · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly a fascinating read! I believe that every singer should read this book. Bubbles is very sincere here and doesn't shy out from calling things by their real name. I am glad that this book came out before the time that artist became spineless crowd-pleasing money-driving machines. Sills speaks her mind about all major events in her life and to having to witness even only on paper to the people she met and experiences she had, is by all means a wonderful pleasure. The book was organized well and it evolves in fast-pace. Never boring, honest to the bone I believe even teenagers would enjoy this, as she is using a very down to earth and occasionally, juicy language. I manage to get this book on ebay for 1 euro, and luckily, you can still find them cheap. It is a bargain you won't regret indulging yourself with.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved reading about Beverly Sills' life. It was great to get a feel for what her daily like was like and to learn about the professional life she had, too. I have great respect for the way she loved her husband and 2 children. She went into detail describing the challenges that resulted in having children with physical challenges. It was very refreshing to read about someone who was very renown; but who didn't create unnecessary drama in her own personal life.

One thing I will always remember is what she said about having disposable income. She said that her busy schedule necessitated "helping" services that she would have otherwise not needed. My life has never been nearly as hectic as hers and so it has been wonderful to remember her perspective. I have been thankful that I've had time to do my own laundry and clean my house and load my own dishwasher.

[Joe Pfeiler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The material in this autobiography is interesting, brought to life in a style that claimed and held my attention from the book's introduction to its conclusion. In particular, the writing captured my sense of place -- Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the world of opera in such a way that I was always hungry to get back to the book after I'd set it down.

I found myself talking about Beverly's life and mentioning events from the book to my friends, as well as wishing I'd been able to help her during the years she ran the New York City Opera.

Beverly's tone is consistent with her conscious effort to be positive in her life, and not complain. The book has a fine quality of tact; however, for those seeking juicy stuff, have no worries -- there's plenty.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read!

Beverly Sills was a great storyteller. She led such an eventful, extra-ordinary, awe-inspiring life. Wow! What a woman.

I know the phrase is, "Don't mess with Texas." But, seriously. Don't mess with Bubbles Silverman. She'll bring the sass.

[Karen]

Interesting, but disjointed. Story jumps around- -more like thoughts jotted down on paper.

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much about Beverly's life, the opera business and art! An amazing woman, with a down to earth view, rarely a diva.