Letters: Remembering Marian Anderson

It was 60 years ago that the outstanding humanitarian and opera and concert diva Marian Anderson became the first African-American artist to sing a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera House.

One of the most moving forces of the 20th century, Anderson was a tall, regal woman who was endowed with intelligence, humility, sincerity and grace. She possessed a rare instrument that legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini described as “a voice one hears in a hundred years.”

Although Anderson’s career included appearances throughout the world, her stunning performance at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, helped to change the course of history. This triumphant performance attracted a crowd of more than 75,000 people.

On April 4, 1949, Anderson sang at the Township Auditorium. But it was her historic debut at the Met that paved the way for other African-American artists.

In 1991, Anderson received a Grammy for her life-long achievements. She died on April 8, 1993. The greatest tribute to Marian Anderson may be summed up in these words: “From every mountainside, let freedom ring.”

This story was originally published November 19, 2015 at 1:14 PM.