What songs did Marian Anderson sing at the Lincoln Memorial?



So, in the chilly April dusk, Anderson stepped onto a stage built over the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and began to sing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Her first notes show no sign of nerves. Her voice is forceful and sweet. And the choice of music — that opening song — is remarkable, given the circumstances.

Why did Marian Anderson have to perform at the Lincoln Memorial?

Eighty years ago Tuesday, contralto singer Marian Anderson performed on the steps on the Lincoln Memorial, after being refused the largest indoor stage in Washington because she was black.

Who was the first African American woman to sing at the Lincoln Memorial?

contralto Marian Anderson





That distinction belongs to the world-famous contralto Marian Anderson, whose performance at the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939, made a compelling case for the transformative power of music, and in a place typically associated with the power of words.

Who helped Marian Anderson sing at the Lincoln Memorial?

Officials of the District of Columbia also barred her from performing in the auditorium of a white public high school. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt helped hold the concert at Lincoln Memorial, on federal property. The Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, performance was attended by 75,000.

Did Marian Anderson sing at the 1963 March on Washington?

was in the audience that day. It is fitting that Anderson was in attendance when Dr. King delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech many years later in 1963 — she performed at the March on Washington.

How many people attended Marian Anderson’s concert at the Lincoln Memorial?

75,000 people





On April 9, 1939, contralto Marian Anderson sang before an audience of 75,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. The outdoor location was chosen because Constitution Hall, which was owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, refused to host Anderson owing to the color of her skin.

Did Marian Anderson perform at the Lincoln Memorial?

Marian Anderson performing at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939. It was attended by approximately 75,000 people. Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was one of the great voices of the 20th century.

Who was the first black opera singer to perform at the White House?

Eleanor Roosevelt first met African American contralto opera singer Marian Anderson in 1935 when the singer was invited to perform at the White House.

Who was the first African American vocalist to sing with a white orchestra?

Billie Holiday was one of the first African American singers to sing in public with a white orchestra.