Obituaries
Opera Legend Shirley Verrett Dies
Shirley Verrett, an acclaimed American mezzo-soprano and soprano praised for her intensity during a career that spanned over four decades, died Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich. She was 79.
Shirley Verrett, an acclaimed American mezzo-soprano and soprano, has Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich. She was 79.
Shirley Verrett Dies
Verrett, one of the top African American singers during the 1970s and 1980s, passed from heart failure according to Jack Mastroinna of IMG artists.
Verrett battled racial discrimination in a predominately white European centered art form during a 40 year biracial marriage. Today, Verret is known as of the most powerful singers and performers of her time.
Verrett started singing mezzo-soprano but later switched to soprano. According to The Telegraph, she performed at the Metropolitan Opera 126 times during her career and has appeared several times in London and Germany.
Verrett was born in Louisiana in 1931. Her family later moved to Los Angeles, where her musical talents were discovered after she performed in her church choir. Her parents encouraged her singing career but disapproved of opera, according to the Times.
Despite her parent’s discouragement, Verrett studied at the Juilliard School in New York, where she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and debuted as Carmen in 1968, according to the Times.
After escaping an abusive marriage, Verrett married Lou LoMonaco, with whom she adopted a daughter. She is survived by her husband, daughter and granddaughter.