When was Marian Anderson born and where did she grow up?
Marian Anderson was born on the 27th of February 1897 in Philadelphia. Her family lived near South Philadelphia while her father sold ice and coal at the Reading Terminal.
Questions about Marian Anderson
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who accompanied Marian Anderson during her European tours starting in 1930?
Finnish pianist Kosti Vehanen became her regular accompanist and vocal coach after they met in Helsinki during the summer of 1930. He performed with her for many years following their initial encounter.
Why did Marian Anderson perform at the Lincoln Memorial instead of DAR Constitution Hall in 1939?
The Daughters of the American Revolution denied permission for her to sing at DAR Constitution Hall under a white performers-only policy. Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes arranged an open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as an alternative.
What historic achievement did Marian Anderson accomplish on the 7th of January 1955?
Marian Anderson became the first African American singer to perform with the Metropolitan Opera on that date. She accepted an invitation from director Rudolf Bing to sing the role of Ulrica in Giuseppe Verdi's Un ballo in maschera.
How did Marian Anderson serve as a goodwill ambassador for the United States government in 1957?
She toured India and the Far East giving twenty-four concerts across multiple countries within twelve weeks while representing the U.S. State Department. President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed her a delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee shortly after this tour.