Grace Bumbry

A trailblazer in the operatic world, mezzo-soprano Grace Bumbry was the first singer of color to appear at the Bayreuth Festival and was the first Black opera singer to perform in the White House. Inspired as a child by attending Marian Anderson concerts, Bumbry would continue the legacy of that famed singer. In 1958, she was a joint winner of the Metropolitan Opera auditions. She made operatic history in 1961 when she was engaged by Wieland Wagner to sing at the Bayreuth Festival. During the '60s, she worked on extending her range. In 1970, she made her debut as a soprano. Between operatic performances, she established a fine recital career, stressing the core repertory of German lieder. Bumbry retired from operatic roles in 1997, becoming a voice teacher and performing occasional recitals.