1897 - 1993
Marian Anderson was an American contralto singer born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is best known for her groundbreaking performances that challenged racial barriers in classical music, most notably her concert at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939, which became a significant moment in the civil rights movement. Anderson's powerful voice and artistry earned her worldwide acclaim, making her one of the first African American artists to achieve a prominent career in classical music.