Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson was born in 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was born to an ice and coal salesman and a former teacher. As a child, Marian was a talented violinist, but she eventually developed a singing voice that was heavenly.

Marian faced her first sign of racism when she applied for a local music school; she was denied but kept her dignity and walked out of the door. Marian had better luck soon when she found a teacher willing to instruct her for no charge. Later, with donations from a local church, Anderson studied with tenor coach Giuseppe Boghetti. In 1924, Marian performed her first recital in New York City--almost causing her to lose her career.

In 1925, Marian Anderson traveled to London to establish a career after very little success in America. Over the next ten years, she toured and performed in England, and in 1935, she made an appearance during the Mozart Festival in Austria.

Marian Anderson returned to America in1935 and performed another recital, but this time she was a success. Under the management of Sol Hurok, she became the third highest concert box office draw. Although Marian was a star, she was still discriminated against. In 1939, Marian tried to perform a concert at Constitution Hall. She was denied by the owner, which sparked protests amongst the nation. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt scheduled a concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on april 9, 1939. The Easter Sunday program drew a crowd of 75,000 people and millions of radio listeners, and the entire episode caused the news media to focus greater attention on cases of discrimination involving Anderson and other African Americans.

Joshua Burston, Editor