The Voice that Challenged a Nation

Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights

By: Russell Freedman

Narrated by: Sharon Washington

Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award, The Voice that Challenged a Nation is an inspiring biography. In the 1930s, Black singer Marian Anderson was not allowed to perform at Constitution Hall. But with help from Eleanor Roosevelt, Anderson staged an amazing concert at the Lincoln Memorial and became an activist for civil rights.

©2004 Russell Freedman (P)2005 Recorded Books

Informative and enlightening

This book provides an educational and enlightening part of our country’s history and the culture during that time period.

Marian Anderson, one of the best vocal musicians of the 20th century

Poor black girl who grew up in the 1920s and 30s in a very segregated country. Her extraordinary vocal talents were evident by age 5, and she had to struggle very hard to develop her voice. She had to scrape together money to take lessons and find a teacher who would work with her. She had early success in small venues All over the country and gave a concert in New York that was largely panned by critics. She was so discouraged about the reviews that She almost gave up singing for a while but then worked very hard to expand her talent and repertoire. She was a hit all over Europe for several years, and learn to sing art songs in a variety of languages. She then came back to the United States. She became very popular in her hometown of Philadelphia and wanted to book a concert in independence hall, the largest venue in DC at the time. However if it was owned by the daughters of the American Revolution and they had a rule that No black artists were allowed. she was booked for a concert at the Lincoln Memorial Which was attended by thousands of people. She helped break down the color barrier for black musicians and performed at hundreds of concert halls and regularly on the radio. An amazing voice and an amazing life.

she took her craft very seriously. she attempted to be the best singer she could be, all while experiencing racism

she took her craft very seriously. her discipline was admirable. I learned many things about this artist from this book.