Description: (American Opera Singer and One of the Leading Mezzo-Sopranos of Her Generation)
Grace Melzia Bumbry was a highly acclaimed American opera singer known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and versatility in soprano roles. She made a significant impact as one of the first African-American classical singers, gaining international fame for her portrayal of Venus in Tannhäuser at the 1961 Bayreuth Festival. Bumbry received praise for her vocal range, agility, and dramatic stage presence, especially in roles such as Eboli in Verdi's Don Carlo. In the later stages of her career, she shifted her focus to recitals, lieder interpretation, and teaching in Europe.