Simon Estes - In His Own Voice : An Autobiography [Hardcover]

Simon Estes (Author), Mary Swanson (Author), Linda Delbridge (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999

Simon Estes: In His Own Voice.

Simon Estes, grandson of a slave, star of the opera stage is an inspiring African-American success stroy. The only African-Amercian male to have sung on virtually all the world's major opera stages. Mr. Estes is acclaimed not only for his voice but for his humanitarian efforts which benefit the educational and neath needs of youth worldwide.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Simon Estes: In His Own Voice
168 pages; $29.95
8" x 10," hardcover with jacket
26-minute Phillips Digital Classic CD sampler with favorite opera, Broadway, and spiritual songs.
Over 200 full-color photos and illustrations.
Inspiring gift book.

From the Inside Flap

Rising from humble beginnings in the small town of Centerville, Iowa, Simon Estes, grandson of a slave sold at auction for $500, son of a father who faithfully struggled to provide for his family, is an amazing African-American success story.

With family values founded upon a Godly heritage, character-building struggle and sacrifice, Simon Estes successfully faced each new hurdle and career challenge, culminating in triumph for this talented perfroming artist.

At age eight, Simon Estes began singing in church with his family. At the University of Iowa his mentor, Charles Kellis, introduced Simon to classical music.

After a year at The Juilliard School of Music in New York City, Simon made his debut in 1965 with Deutsche Oper Berlin as Ramfis in Aida.

1966 brought third place in the first Tchaikovsky Vocal Competition and a White House appearance.

Since then Simon Estes has sung for United States presidents, kings, and queens, and numerous other world leaders. (Back cover) - "Simon Estes is the consummate artist . . . the gifts of the artist remind us of the love of the Creator. Thank you Simon Estes."

- Dr. Maya Angelou,

Beloved poet, author, and teacher. (Back cover)

"I was deeply moved reading Simon Estes' story, and I have marvelled that despite all the anguish he has suffered, he could be so whole, so magnanimous, so ready to forgive . . . Simon Estes is indeed a worthy role model.

- The Most Rev. Desmond M. Tutu,

Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town at the South

African Consulate

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Landauer (IA) (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890621013
• ISBN-13: 978-1890621018
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,595,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb African American biography., April 4, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Simon Estes - In His Own Voice : An Autobiography (Hardcover)

This biography of classical singer Estes charts the rise of a grandson of a slave to a father who became a talented performing artist, singing for queens and kings and world leaders. A music cd displays the extent of his vocal talents while chapters reveal his childhood, upbringing, and involvements in the music world.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true American success story!, August 4, 2010

By 

JMM - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Simon Estes - In His Own Voice : An Autobiography (Hardcover)

I ordered this book because back in 195l I was invited to Thanksgiving dinner at the Estes household in Centerville, IA, Simon Estes' sister was my roommate in college. After dinner the five children gathered around the piano and sang, accompanied by Mrs. Estes, their mother. I had never heard such glorious singing! I wanted to catch up on Simon Estes' life, so I ordered his book. What a wonderful inspiration this man is. The book has beautiful pictures of his family and of him in his various roles in operas around the world. The book is a heartwarming testament to a man who has done so much for the world through his school in South Africa and his charitable giving to underprivileged children. He also has had a concert hall named for him in Des Moines, IA. He tells his story humbly, and gives praise to his parents and to God for his success. Although he encountered racism, he has no bitterness, only gratitude for for his success. I highly recommend this story about a real American hero. The book would make a fabulous gift for anyone interested in opera, overcoming adversity, and inspiration. The book is full of beautiful photos and would make a nice coffee table book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book about a wonderful man!, October 27, 2011

By 

genealady (Iowa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Simon Estes - In His Own Voice : An Autobiography (Hardcover)

Since Simon Estes was scheduled to give a concert where I live, I wanted to have some background knowledge before I went. This book was just what I needed. It gave me a good feel for his life and character, with many pictures. The CD was a lovely recording of his best known songs. It made his performance even more special to me and gave me an insight into Simon Estes that I never would have had. I was fortunate enough to have him autograph it - now it is a real treasure.