From left: Nina Simone, Marian Anderson, and Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Collage courtesy of Classic FM.
In Monday’s (10/2) Classic FM (U.K.), an unsigned article states, “We celebrate some of the most influential Black voices the classical music world has known. In a world that didn’t always welcome them with open arms, many of these wonderful singers, instrumentalists, composers and conductors shattered racial barriers on the concert stage, and helped shape landmark moments in classical music. From Nina Simone fusing the worlds of gospel and classical music, to tenor Roland Hayes becoming the first African American concert artist to win international acclaim, here are some of the most influential Black voices in classical music history—from the 18th century to today.” The article includes brief biographies and recordings of Marian Anderson, Wynton Marsalis, Jessey Norman, Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins, Camilla Williams, Scott Joplin, Hazel Scott, Robert McFerrin, Dorothy Donegan, Roland Hayes, Donald White, Dean Dixon, William Grant Still, Leontyne Price, Henry Lewis, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, George Walker, Nina Simone, Joseph Bologne (Chevalier de Saint-Georges), James DePreist, Martina Arroyo, Sanford Allen, Terence Blanchard, Yvette Devereaux, and George Bridgetower.
