Bumbry, Grace (1937-2023), an African American singer, became one of the most celebrated opera stars of her time. Bumbry gained international fame for her powerful, rich voice and the dramatic intensity she brought to her roles. Bumbry began as a mezzo-soprano. But she also performed in soprano roles, which require a higher vocal range. In addition, Bumbry became known for her concert performances.
Grace Melzia Ann Bumbry was born on Jan. 4, 1937, in St. Louis. She sang in church choirs as a child. During the late 1950’s, she studied with the great German soprano Lotte Lehman at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California.
Bumbry made her professional singing debut in 1959 in a recital in London. She made her opera debut in 1960 at the Paris Opera, singing the role of Amneris in Aida by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Her performance made her an immediate star. Bumbry’s reputation grew after her sensational success as Venus in Tannhäuser at the Bayreuth Festival in Germany. This famous festival is dedicated to the works of the German composer Richard Wagner. Bumbry was the first African American singer to appear there. Bumbry made her Metropolitan Opera debut in New York City in 1965 as Princess Eboli in Verdi’s Don Carlos.
Bumbry was a mezzo-soprano until 1970. She then began singing as a soprano. The change opened up opportunities for her to sing many of the greatest roles in opera. These roles include the title characters in Tosca by the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini and Salomé by the German composer Richard Strauss. Bumbry retired from the opera stage in 1997. But she continued to perform in recitals for another 10 years. Music critics especially praised her interpretation of German art songs called lieder. She also devoted much of her time to teaching and to judging international music competitions. Bumbry died on May 7, 2023.
