by Rich Watson
Among the number of black musicians who have changed the sound of American popular music in the twentieth century, one name rarely mentioned is that of Marian Anderson. The classical music singer consorted with First Ladies, sang at the 1963 March on Washington, and was awarded, among her many honors, the first Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 1955, she added to her achievements by being the first black singer to play New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
