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How One Girl's Courage Changed Music

Doug Price

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The story of Marian Anderson is one of courage, determination, and the power of music to change the world. Born in 1897 to a poor family in Philadelphia, Anderson began singing at an early age. Her talent was undeniable, and she quickly became a star performer in local churches and schools.

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music

by Rafael López

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Language	:	English
File size	:	11019 KB
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Print length	:	48 pages

In 1925, Anderson was awarded a scholarship to study at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City. She was the first African American woman to attend the prestigious school. While at Juilliard, Anderson honed her skills and developed her own unique style of singing. She became known for her powerful voice and her ability to communicate emotion through her music.

After graduating from Juilliard, Anderson began her professional career as a concert singer. She toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, performing to sold-out crowds. Her concerts were not just musical events; they were also a symbol of the progress that was being made in the fight for civil rights.

In 1939, Anderson was scheduled to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR),who owned the hall, refused to allow her to perform because she was African American. Anderson was devastated by the rejection, but she refused to be silenced. She took her case to the Supreme Court, and in 1943, the Court ruled in her favor. Anderson's victory was a major step forward in the fight for civil rights.

After the Supreme Court ruling, Anderson performed at Constitution Hall to a sold-out crowd. Her performance was a triumph, and it helped to break down the barriers of segregation that had kept African Americans out of many public places.

Anderson continued to perform throughout her career, and she became one of the most celebrated singers in the world. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, and she was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994.

Marian Anderson's story is an inspiration to us all. She showed us that anything is possible if we have the courage to stand up for what we believe in. Her music helped to change the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come.

Legacy

Marian Anderson's legacy is vast and continues to impact the world today. She was a pioneer for civil rights, and her fight to perform at Constitution Hall helped to break down the barriers of segregation. Her music inspired people of all races and backgrounds, and it continues to do so today.

Anderson's legacy is also evident in the work of the Marian Anderson Historical Society. Founded in 1989, the Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting Anderson's legacy. The Society operates a museum in Anderson's hometown of Philadelphia, and it offers educational programs and events throughout the year.

Marian Anderson was a true pioneer, and her courage and determination changed the world. Her music continues to inspire us today, and her legacy will continue to do so for generations to come.

Timeline of Marian Anderson's Life

1897: Marian Anderson is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1919: Anderson begins studying at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.
1935: Anderson makes her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
1939: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refuses to allow Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
1943: The Supreme Court rules in Anderson's favor, and she performs at Constitution Hall to a sold-out crowd.
1963: Anderson is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
1994: Anderson is inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
1995: Marian Anderson dies in Danbury, Connecticut.