Grace Melzia Bumbry was an American opera singer, widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. She was cast in the 1961 Bayreuth Festival as Venus in Tannhäuser, making her the first black singer to appear at the festival. Bumbry made her operatic debut in 1960, at the age of 23, as Amneris in Verdi's "Aida" at the Paris Opera, where she quickly established herself as one of the most exciting and dynamic singers of her generation. She went on to perform at many of the worl... moreGrace Melzia Bumbry was an American opera singer, widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. She was cast in the 1961 Bayreuth Festival as Venus in Tannhäuser, making her the first black singer to appear at the festival. Bumbry made her operatic debut in 1960, at the age of 23, as Amneris in Verdi's "Aida" at the Paris Opera, where she quickly established herself as one of the most exciting and dynamic singers of her generation. She went on to perform at many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and La Scala in Milan. Bumbry later sang the roles of Kundry in "Parsifal" and Ortrud in "Lohengrin" with great success. Throughout her career, Bumbry was a passionate advocate for racial and social justice, and used her platform as a performer to promote these causes. She was a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, and was known for her performances of African-American spirituals and other music that highlighted the African-American experience. Bumbry received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the National Medal of Arts in 2009 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2010.
