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Grace Bumbry

Grace Bumbry (Mezzo-Soprano)

Born: 4th January 1937, St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Nationality: American

Artist's website: https://gracebumbry.com/biography/

Grace Melzia Bumbry an American opera singer, is considered one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, as well as a major soprano earlier in her career. She is a member of a pioneering generation of African-American opera and classical singers, beginning with Leontyne Price and including Martina Arroyo, Shirley Verrett, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, and Reri Grist, who succeeded Marian Anderson in the worlds of opera and classical music. They paved the way for future generations of African-American opera and concert singers. Bumbry's voice was rich and dynamic, possessing a wide range, and was capable of producing a very distinctive plangent tone.

In her prime, she also possessed good agility and bel canto technique (see for example her renditions of the 'Veil Song' from Verdi's Don Carlo in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as her Ernani from the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 1984).

Further Reading: Grace Bumbry

Obituary, Grace Bumbry (1937-2023)

The trailblazing American dramatic mezzo, who was the first Black singer to perform at the Bayreuth Festival, has died aged 86.

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