Shirley Verrett interview June 4.2003

One of the greats. At the age of 24, Verrett began taking professional voice lessons and within three years, appeared in her first opera. She would go on to become one of the most beloved and honored mezzos & sopranos ever. However, as a black woman making her way through the 1950s and '60s, Shirley Verrett didn't make it to the top without facing struggles or, for that matter, racial prejudice. In her autobiography, "I Never Walked Alone," co-written with Christopher Brooks, she shares the many difficulties and triumphs of a career that has spanned some five decades.
Shirley Verrett spoke with Tony Cox from member station WUOM at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, in 2003, where she was a distinguished professor in the music department. Tony Cox began by asking Shirley Verrett about how her family and church felt about her singing opera.

[@charlesdotson4766]

Shirley Verrett is one of the most gifted operatic vocal artists I have ever heard the privilege of hearing. Her singing, musical instincts, interpretations, vocal timbre and color, dramatic interpretation, and overall presence is truly one of a kind. Thank God for blessing us with this magnificent lady, and may her life and musical legacy continue to live on through recordings and interviews such as this. Rest in peace great one!

[@norwegianforestcat7471]

She's one of my absolute favorites. Her voice is gorgeous from top to bottom. She sings and acts brilliantly. And she's beautiful and charismatic. What else could you want? ✨

[@greatmomentsofopera7170]

One of the most complete singers ever. A gorgeous voice. And a beautiful speaking voice and elegant way of speaking too.

[@pump066]

I wonder if this interviewer would say to Pavarotti: 'you have performed with
the greats like Verrett'?Stupid man, Verrett was one of the few truly great
singing actresses, that even the likes of Pavarotti, were blessed to be able
to collaborate with!

[@tomaseriksson6366]

She is so intelligent and musically gifted! What a spectacular singer!

[@charlesbrown1934]

I just love this woman, first of all for her absolutely fabulous singing. Secondly, for the way she talks about the development of her career in a way in which most young singers can see themselves and identify. Very important as a teacher.

[@DiomedesDioscuro]

Elegante, inteligente, agradable, hermosa. Una gran artista y una mujer fascinante.

[@hubertfriperson8429]

Thank you Shirley "la Verrett the great "

[@amossmithjr9362]

Brava.. awesome job

[@alexthomas1750]

Yes sister!!! I completely agree. Where are the great, black singers today? Even the Asian singers are having difficulty getting to the stage.

[@arnoldamaral7406]

@@jasonhurd4379 So get the H out of Ray Town SUCKA!! Thank you Jason 💙 Arnold

[@arnoldamaral7406]

Look around my friend!!! Arnold Bourbon Amaral

[@arnoldamaral7406]

Madame Verrett was a grand lady. A true FALCON to the most incredible art form in the world. VIVA VERRETT REGINA FALCON 👑 Arnold Bourbon Amaral

[@26looksee]

thank you for posting

[@courtneybaritone222]

Thank you for this. I have a video to send you of the memorial I did in Harlem in her honor. Dr. Brooks came, Warren Wilson was still alive and spoke, Barbara Conrad the lengendary mezzo was the emcee. I have not shared it with anyone, but I think you should have it. Inbox me and we can discuss it

[@renaissanceinblack]

❤❤

[@oooooo2062]

Brava!!! Única!!! Una voz irrepetible, además de sensual ;)

[@johnwesley5777]

My Wife, 1:cousin. Deacon and Deaconess Wesley

[@gayhomelesswithpinknails4424]

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