Black Diva of the Thirties

The Life of Ruby Elzy

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Classical & Opera, Opera, Biography & Memoir, Composers & Musicians
Cover of the book Black Diva of the Thirties by David E. Weaver, University Press of Mississippi
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David E. Weaver ISBN: 9781628467536
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi Publication: November 12, 2009
Imprint: University Press of Mississippi Language: English
Author: David E. Weaver
ISBN: 9781628467536
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Publication: November 12, 2009
Imprint: University Press of Mississippi
Language: English

While undergoing routine surgery to remove a benign tumor, Ruby Elzy died. She was only thirty-five. Had she lived, she would have been one of the first black artists to appear in grand opera.

Although now in the shadows, she was a shining star in her day. She entertained Eleanor Roosevelt in the White House. She was Paul Robeson's leading lady in the movie version of The Emperor Jones. She co-starred in Birth of the Blues opposite Bing Crosby and Mary Martin. She sang at Harlem's Apollo Theater and in the Hollywood Bowl. Her remarkable soprano voice was known to millions over the radio. She was personally chosen by George Gershwin to create one of the leading roles in his masterpiece, that of Serena in the original production of Porgy and Bess. Her signature song was the vocally demanding "My Man's Gone Now."

From obscurity she had risen to great heights. Ruby Pearl Elzy (1908-1943) was born in abject poverty in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Her father abandoned the family when she was five, leaving her mother, a strong, devout woman, to raise four small children. Ruby first sang publicly at the age of four and even in childhood dreamed of a career on the stage. Good fortune struck when a visiting professor, overwhelmed upon hearing her beautiful voice at Rust College in Mississippi, arranged for her to study music at Ohio State University. Later, on a Rosenwald Fellowship, she enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City.

After more than 800 performances in Porgy and Bess, she set her sights on a huge goal, to sing in grand opera. She was at the peak of her form. While she was preparing for her debut in the title role of Verdi's Aida, tragedy struck.

During her brief career, Ruby Elzy was in the top tier of American sopranos and a precursor who paved a way for Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, and other black divas of the operatic stage. This biography acknowledges her exceptional talent, recognizes her contribution to American music, and tells her tragic yet inspiring story.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While undergoing routine surgery to remove a benign tumor, Ruby Elzy died. She was only thirty-five. Had she lived, she would have been one of the first black artists to appear in grand opera.

Although now in the shadows, she was a shining star in her day. She entertained Eleanor Roosevelt in the White House. She was Paul Robeson's leading lady in the movie version of The Emperor Jones. She co-starred in Birth of the Blues opposite Bing Crosby and Mary Martin. She sang at Harlem's Apollo Theater and in the Hollywood Bowl. Her remarkable soprano voice was known to millions over the radio. She was personally chosen by George Gershwin to create one of the leading roles in his masterpiece, that of Serena in the original production of Porgy and Bess. Her signature song was the vocally demanding "My Man's Gone Now."

From obscurity she had risen to great heights. Ruby Pearl Elzy (1908-1943) was born in abject poverty in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Her father abandoned the family when she was five, leaving her mother, a strong, devout woman, to raise four small children. Ruby first sang publicly at the age of four and even in childhood dreamed of a career on the stage. Good fortune struck when a visiting professor, overwhelmed upon hearing her beautiful voice at Rust College in Mississippi, arranged for her to study music at Ohio State University. Later, on a Rosenwald Fellowship, she enrolled at the Juilliard School in New York City.

After more than 800 performances in Porgy and Bess, she set her sights on a huge goal, to sing in grand opera. She was at the peak of her form. While she was preparing for her debut in the title role of Verdi's Aida, tragedy struck.

During her brief career, Ruby Elzy was in the top tier of American sopranos and a precursor who paved a way for Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, and other black divas of the operatic stage. This biography acknowledges her exceptional talent, recognizes her contribution to American music, and tells her tragic yet inspiring story.

More books from University Press of Mississippi

Cover of the book Mothers in Children's and Young Adult Literature by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Mama Rose's Turn by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book The Limits of Loyalty by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Faulkner and the Native South by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Christmas Memories from Mississippi by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Coming to Colorado by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Walking on Air by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Pioneering Cartoonists of Color by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Curt Flood in the Media by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book And One Was a Priest by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Shadows and Cypress by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Delta Rainbow by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Song of My Life by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Choctaw Tales by David E. Weaver
Cover of the book Harmony Korine by David E. Weaver
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy