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What I Had Was Singing: The Story of Marian Anderson (Trailblazer Biographies)

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The life of Marian Anderson, the first African-American to sing solo at the Met, is depicted in this book in a warm and factual manner. Jeri Ferris provides a biography of Marian Anderson from from childhood to the end of her life with facts, warmth and seriousness. This book will provide young readers with a bibliograpy they can enjoy.

Marian Anderson is an inspiration to all, black and white alike. Born in 1897 Philadelphia, from an early age all Marian wanted to do was sing. By the age of thirteen, Marian was singing in the adult choir at the Union Baptist Church. The Church readily knew her talent and advertised her participation in various concerts.

As Marian grew, she knew that singing was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. Marian studied with various music coaches, each time branching out to improve her abilities. When she decided she wanted to continue with her musical education, she was surprised to find that her skin color prevented her from attending a music school in the city. But she remained determined.

When she was twenty-seven, Marian decided to invest her money and attempt a concert in New York City's Town Hall. The show was minimally attended and her attempts at singing in German brought her less-than-desirable reviews. After a brief period of not singing, Marian had to give in and continue with her lifelong dream.

With travels to Europe and efforts to increase her language skills, Marian proved to the world, and more importantly the American people, that skin color made no difference. Ultimately, it was her singing that proved to America that she was just as good as any white person, and possibly better. Quoting Arturo Toscanini: "Yours is a voice such as one hears once in a hundred years."

Ms. Ferris writes a wonderful portrait of a very inspiring lady. Marian struggled to achieve everything she dreamed of. But perseverance paid off, and Marian Anderson led the way for many talented African American female singers in the years that followed.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr