Jessye Norman death: Tributes paid to ‘inspirational’ Grammy-winning opera star
Barack Obama presented her with the National Medal of Arts in 2009
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jessye Norman, one of the most renowned sopranos of the 20th century, has died at the age of 74.
The US singer was one of the few black women to find international stardom in the opera world, leading her to win four Grammy Awards, the Kennedy Center Honour, and the National Medal of Arts. The latter was presented to her by Barack Obama in 2009.
In a statement, Norman’s family confirmed that she died of septic shock and multiple organ failure related to complications from a spinal cord injury she suffered in 2015. The statement additionally said that she died at a New York hospital “surrounded by loved ones”.
“We are so proud of Jessye’s musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy,” her family said.
“We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavours addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and arts and culture education.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
Norman was a trailblazing performer, singing at opera houses such as La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, and playing title roles in works such as Carmen, Aida and more. She sang the works of Wagner, but was not limited to opera or classical music, performing songs by Duke Ellington and others as well.
“I have always been drawn to things other people might consider unusual. I’m always taken by the text and beautiful melody. It’s not important to me who has written it. It’s just more reasonable to have an open mind about what beauty is,” Norman said in a 2002 interview with the Chicago Sun-Times.
Norman was born on 15 September, 1945 in Augusta, Georgia, in segregationist times. She grew up singing in church and around a musical family that included pianists and singers. She earnt a scholarship to the historically black college, Howard University, in Washington, DC to study music. She later studied at the Peabody Conservatory and the University of Michigan.
She made her operatic debut in 1969 in Berlin, and went on to wow audiences around the world on stages in Milan, London and New York. The New York Times described her voice as “a grand mansion of sound.”
She is survived by two remaining siblings, James Norman and Elaine Sturkey.
Additional reporting by the Associated Press
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments