Jessye Norman: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Lorenz Hart
• Cole Porter
• Richard Rodgers
• Ira Gershwin

• Pierre Boulez
• James Levine
• Klaus Tennstedt
• Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
• Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
• London Symphony Orchestra
• Georg Solti

Born:

Sep 15, 1945 in Augusta, GA

Genres:

Music, Holiday Music, Classical Music, Opera Classical Music

Decades Active:

1960's|1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Low

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

One of the most renowned dramatic soprano singers in the world during the 1980s and '90s, Jessye Norman debuted in the Berlin version of Wagner's +Tannhaüser in 1969 and appeared prolifically during the '70s, moving gradually toward recording and video releases during the '80s.

Born September 15, 1945, in Augusta, GA, Norman studied voice at Howard University on a scholarship and graduated in 1967. Further studies at the University of Michigan followed, after which she made her operatic debut as Elisabeth in Wagner's +Tannhaüser, in a 1969 Berlin production. She assumed main roles at ~La Scala and ~Covent Garden during the '70s, and toured music festivals as well, giving recitals both solo and with the major orchestras of the world. Norman has recorded a variety of material for Philips, including albums devoted to Christmas songs, gospel music, and operatic repertoire. Several of her performances are also available on video.

- John Bush, All Music Guide