Jessye Norman: "Stand Up Straight and Sing!"

[@LakeAriel-tc6be]

You could listen to her for hours not just because the stories she tell us but also her voice, her body language, her natural grace and elegance. She is fascinating as an artist and a human being.

[@31Alden]

The essence of beauty, grace, a natural elegance, intelligence, eloquence, and shining humanity. The very thing this troubled and turbulent world needs more of. What WILL we do without the magnificence of Jessye Norman? Education and The Arts versus Politicians and War.

[@piroschka6]

One of the most beautiful faces and voice in the world of opera Rest in peace and thank you jessye Norman

[@josephokellookello2046]

She's got so much grace and character! She'll be dearly missed 💔

[@margaritadubrovina7063]

Jessie Norman is very intellectual , Intelligent singer with very powerful voice . Goddess of grace and beauty in the world. I have been blessed and grateful to be able seen and heard from her concerts

[@serious7179]

To hear this legend speak so eloquently, intelligently, and not just as a "talking musician head" is absolutely heavenly. I wish I could have attended this event in person!

[@caroltanksley3436]

I attended the University of Michigan School of Music with Jessye and studied with the same voice teacher. She is as lovely and down to earth as she appears in this interview! Wonderful sense of humor and thoughtful of others.

[@e.conboy4286]

Carol Tanksley: How fortunate for both of you.

[@francoisbessing]

LOVE this woman. Rich in culture, history, verbiage, spirit. Such a monument and the best of the American people.

[@e.conboy4286]

François Bessing: Isn’t she though? Such a lovely personality to go with her extraordinary talents. OMG! GONE TOO SOON.

[@JudithHunt-kj5hl]

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[@jeffreypeters395]

Well said. An awe-inspiring musician and a brilliant humanitarian. Love her so much.

[@phyllisjordanhenderson3123]

Can hardly believe I spent 4 hours getting to know more about Miss Norman's life. I am 9 years younger. Didn't know her as well as I knew her parents, Deacon Norman , Mrs. Janie and her younger younger sister, Elaine who played piano for our choirs at The Mt Calvary Bapt Church in Augusta, Ga. Miss Norman would visit Mt. Calvary upon her visits to Augusta. I don't recall her ever singing upon her visits. This day, I have listened to her life's stories through interviews and her beautiful talent through songs. I am overwhelmed! I couldn't shut my phone down. This beautiful soul that came out of Augusta, Ga, is beyond description. I am so grateful that my daughter, Jor'danan, asked me if I wanted to attend her Homegoing Services. We got the chance to witness incredible, gifted, talented people that were a part of her life! They spoke very highly of her. With such beauty, talent, inspiration and the innumerable blessings that she embarked upon her family, friends and this world, I am indeed very saddened by her passing. Only God knows why He desired to call her forth! My condolences to The Norman and The Sturkey families and to all that loved her so much!! Now I feel that I grew up in the midst of her!!

[@soundwallchester8490]

She is superb - and isn't it wonderful that she is advocating the arts in schools, stating that their worth is incalculable, ranking with core subjects.

[@janaesimmons4672]

Yes, Ms Jessye voice is one of the most beautiful voices in the world.

[@Timewriter24]

Elegant and classy, Jessye, rest in peace 🌹

[@kirky3051]

she has that peaceful aura.

[@francoisbessing]

YES _ I love it. So go with the flow but full of power.

[@MaestroFriedrich]

Every singer should hear this.

[@ОксанаСтепаненко-г2п]

Totally agree with her personal , feminine, human being attitude to life. She loves people, she ready to give them her sunny energy.

[@operasingersstorehouse5311]

I’d add: every human being should listen to this. She’s giving a lesson on how to “human”. She really is a role model as a person, as a professional, as a singer, as a human being.

[@40amule16]

If there was ever a definitive example of queen like, it is Ms. Norman simply regal......😊

[@colsomemiah6095]

full volume, voice rich and deep coming from somewhere below subterranian, Ms. Norman redefines operatic singers. Glorious presence and voicel

[@pianoman9685]

Jessye Norman is simply incredible, we love and cherish her.

[@delanob2258]

Jessye Norman one of the truly great artistes. RIP

[@stephaniehammett5050]

She speaks in such an incredibly moving way. So beautiful

[@faithnelson5383]

Spectacular voice. Wise woman too ... "people without tension and revenge ... they are so full of love."

[@colsomemiah6095]

Nobody in my era has a voice tha comes from cavernous depths, rich, full Bless you Ms/ Norman

[@roofdweller]

God's speed, Ms. Norman. God's speed. And thank you thank you thank you for all you have given and will still bestow upon us in your recordings.

[@kendrawhittaker4855]

I adore her voice in both speaking and opera. I would love her as an audio book reader, her voice is so calming.

[@amade54]

Having been honored by her friendship for 30 years and having cooperated with her on a professional basis, I read this book and it is not JUST an autobiography, BUT it is really a vivid picture of what a black girl born in Augusta, Georgia in 1945 experienced on her proper skin . I am trying to translate it into Italian and she was really happy that she would have her bio translated into Italian. To all english reading people, buy it and read it. It is so well written and you seem really living alongside her during her entire life. Strongly recommended. Black Lives Matters and Jessye Norman was and is an astonishing testimonial of it.

[@azhybrid5271]

Oh Ms. Jessye Norman! Beautiful, Beautiful,Beautiful! I could listen to you speak and sing all day! Regal and simply majestic!

[@michelle6062]

Wish I could have seen her in person. What a beautiful voice.

[@CoachBrent]

I love her composure and warmth that she emits with ease. She is very candid. Must look for this book. Interesting life story.

[@francoisbessing]

YES. I'm going need to purchase her book.

[@lyeelamb71]

I ADDITIONALLY AM PUTTING MS NORMAN'S MEMIOR ON MY MUST READ LIST!! I ALREADY LOVE HER AS A PERFORMER, NOW I LOVE HER AS AN IDOL!! 🤔😁 SHE TALKS OF MS ANDERSON AS ONE SHE ADMIRES!! I AGREE SHE IS A PHENOMENAL WOMAN!! YET MS JESSIE IS NOT LACKING ONE OF OUR GREATS!!!! 🤗😃 WOW!!! 🎉

[@davidjeromejohnson5410]

I just luxuriate in the spirit of this wonderful artist and noble woman! Her musical legacy will forever keep me in gratitude and joyfully energized😢 RIP “ My Main Muse” Jessye Norman😢

[@richardmcneil6538]

RIP MS Norman You have enriched my life! Xxxx❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@joycie014]

So much intelligence, grace and talent, but with a wicked sense of humour. May your beautiful soul rest in peace. ❤️

[@francoisbessing]

The way she says "remembered"....truly RIP. A Queen has gone to be with the King.

[@m.antoniosims342]

Ms Jessye Norman was a class act. Her sophistication , her grace and her presence was unmatched!

[@michaeldoyle6702]

A revealing "through away"comment by Norman at 35:35. She recognizes that she has been "lucky" in life, but no more so than anyone else, she says. The description of Norman as a diva is so misplaced. She strikes me as very humble and amazed by life, and not just her seemingly good fortune.

[@lindasmilesrfree6067]

I am truly inspired by this wonderful woman; she is exquisite.

[@rachelleoliver-ray2775]

A beautiful, stately, woman whose voice brings me peace♥️

[@lisamcdonald4215]

I can listen to this lady all day. Rest in peace . Gone too soon

[@recitalvoicepiano2356]

"It is rather ridiculous... to be the only african american to sing major roles" I agree with you. Any soul any beautiful soul should be heard.

[@shagurl212]

So elegant, so humble, so classy, and so well accomplished. It's amazing.

[@anniejones3136]

Oh Jessye, you are beautiful inside and out. I am so proud and grateful to call you my sister from home, our town Augusta! Sleep peacefully my sister and I know you’ll be ready for your heavenly performance!

[@stevengeldmacher405]

Thank you for this interview. I knew Miss Norman as a superb Artist. Now I realize that she is a beautiful Person. I have to read her autobiography.

[@ptseti]

LOVE this woman. RIP Jessye you served well. You sang beautifully and you lived well. Thank you Thank you Thank you..RIP Sweet Queen. DIVA of the Opera!

[@musicandme1982]

Isn't she lovely isn't she wonderful look what God has done Jesseye Norman enough said Rest in love and Spirit QUEEN

[@walterbishop3668]

My gosh.her voice is so amazing

[@christophsauer2857]

many students should watch this conversation. So much to learn about the art of singing as well as about humility and humanity. also the interviewer did a great job, not only for his questions but also for not interrupting Ms. Norman. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@annenewman-ross2427]

She is lovely and I love her voice!

[@bernardcleary4330]

What a fascinating and entertaining interview with a national treasure. RIP, Miss Norman.

[@hs7921]

Good interview. Here is a talented and educated woman. Groundbreaking stuff to have sung Wagner.

[@MrBluedanube]

I read her memoir last year. Absolutely amazing, I would totally recommend it. You get a lot more in scope detail you don't get from the interviews.

[@hallu6666]

What a wonderful human being, so suave, so full of grace, so eloquent.

[@sumar26]

a wonderful singer, a wonderful lady!!!

[@susanvioletlindsay901]

What a gift - this collection of glimpses of this remarkable woman and her talent. Thank you.

[@kimberry2010]

I love you, Jessye! Love the book.

[@NoveLD]

Very well spoken and inspirational! Thank you Jessye.

[@junereid8751]

R.I.P ...THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR TALENTS.

[@jasmineskydancer]

Bravo Ms. Norman - I will look to purchase the book soon. My Mom attended Lucy C. Laney HS in Augusta and knew of you. She said everyone there who heard you sang in the school choir knew you were destined for greatness then :)

[@stevenfromer3806]

I love her. I love her voice and interpretation of song. I love her diction. Lovely human being.

[@dotmurphy7279]

I just love her and love her voice. I miss her, she's like a favorite cousin.

[@RLSchanneltwo]

This one really got me . . . I'm devastated. RIP my beautiful Jessye . . .

[@higharch]

So brilliant and clear about what she has been called to do.

[@rr7firefly]

Jessye Norman inhabited a life that was the definition of exceptional. At the time that she first left for Germany I have to wonder what she might have imagined for the rest of her life. For truly, if she had not gone to Europe to fulfill her ambitions would she have been able to realize them in the U.S.? I know very well the night when she sang the Marseillaise for the French Bicentennial commemoration. That entire evening, with Norman wrapped in the French Tricolor billowing all around her, moving majestically from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe -- it defies the basic misperception most Americans have concerning what race endows any of us with. Or more pointedly the inherent limitations of race. Thank you, Berlin, for nurturing this great lady.

[@brianchambers1508]

What a wonderful and articulate artist with a voice of pure gold thank you for the pleasure you have so freely given us may you rest in peace for All eternity

[@menukjau]

What a fantastic interview with a divine lady. Bravo Ms Norman!

[@margaretguillory]

I love this book. Thank you Ms. Norman.

[@janaesimmons4672]

This Aura of peace/love I experienced in your presence in our hometown.

[@dqlassit]

I'm shaking I'm so excited to watch this. It is my wish to be as good as her...#wishfulthinking

[@hildegerdhaugen7864]

Well, nobody will be since she was the true heir of Kirsten Flagstad. That doesn't mean the rest of us can't be good singers.

[@Tipsis1]

You will be brilliant in your own right because you are you!

[@e.conboy4286]

dqlassit:: Just ask yourself, ‘What would Jessye do?’ You’ll be great!

[@joaninha-v9q]

My favorite singer opera. RIP God bless you. ❤❤❤

[@josephel4292]

Dignity, grace , and beauty ❤❤ Rest in peace Ms Norman

[@bfayehenry2867]

She's so Majestic and Regal. Angela Bassett looks like a younger version of her :)

[@maeshelll]

wow! It is so refreshing to witness such amazing people such as Jessye Norman. Thank you for sharing.

[@madamdorothy4861]

Ah! Jessye Norman! Your life and times accentuated by music and song! BRAVA!

[@philipsmith3084]

Just received the book today, and cannot wait to read it.

[@janetjenkins1797]

One of the most beautiful voices i have ever heard. God bless you Jessye xxxxxxxxx

[@direitoelegal9760]

what a beautiful and inspiring lady! Thank you!

[@misscameroon8062]

Brava Miss Norman you spoke the real truth: we all need art education anywhere we can get it!

[@terrywestbrook-lienert2296]

Requiascet In Pace! I loved your voice. I still do. 🎤🎶🎙🎼🎹

[@nashantastanley3261]

Omg...I just love Ms. Norman!!

[@EA-ck4so]

She is amazingly elegant and classy.

[@valeriesmith5780]

This feels like a companion piece to her memoir which I just got from the library; great timing.

[@FunKeys4KidsMusicLessons]

Stunning gorgeous artist.

[@personabell07]

I LOVEEE HER!

[@lucapizzirani5233]

Wonderful woman, great person! RIP

[@happygucci5094]

Queen- this is what a Free Self Actualized Black Woman sounds like - IS. She speaks with a rare self assurance, prodigious intellect, presence, bravura, elegance, charm, erudition, insight, personality and altogether a Black woman, rooted in community, of Faith-of Service, -this isn’t affectation this is us witnessing a Goddess, the Ancestors empower her God speaks through her- she is PERFECT for Wagner- she was meant to sing Wagner- Wagner would have had a Revelation- The Divine would have been revealed to him. Listen to how she speaks about the “people whose spirits…” she has BECOME that and we we DO see… this is the Spirit… 💗🙏🏽🕊️ Sublime.l

[@dorothyanikpe9489]

Wonderful! Thank you so much

[@ritabrito5040]

Such a great loss. Amazing talent.

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Great and Beloved Forever !

[@reellife8707]

How would you like to be remembered? 54:13 Rest in Peace Legendary Jessye Norman (gone WAY too soon). Sept 15, 1945 - Sept 30, 2019.

[@CaliLiliIndies]

She is SO #Beautiful and SO #Gifted .. What an #Inspiration .... #AfricanAmericanWomen #Beautiful #Opera #singers #BlackWomen #Artist

[@yasminhaskell571]

Wonderful person and artist! 🎉

[@mcrettable]

The Queen.

[@joaoaurelio1534]

Yes the radio, omg the story is just the same. The broadcast of live opera in our oriented classical music radio is still on sundays. So i would do the same, the washing dishes would take the time of the aria or the overture etc. Lol

[@RendezvouDoo]

Very Beautiful!

[@Carlos-qz7ul]

Priceless 💎 !

[@simongovey9576]

Amazing person and singer.

[@bjustliving]

Beautiful

[@craigsorrells9427]

Just an amazing person!!!!

[@anaisabelgarridomartinez7946]

Great experience. Thank you for sharing!!!!

[@jamescottone9882]

So overly affected, yet brilliant.

[@TruthSerum101]

Divine.

[@germanquintero10121946]

MARAVILLOSA VOZ

[@MrTargenor]

arts education IS that important! education and even forming

[@idat.6325]

From what I’m reading, she was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia but here she seems to have a Transatlantic accent of some sort. Or an accent that isn’t distinguishable to me, but certainly not a Georgia accent. Anyone know why?

[@timmoytsinclair395]

I believe she spent alot of time in Europe, which would explain her accent. Also, as an opera singer, she has been taught to enunciate her words which is very important because as a singer, the most important thing is to ensure that the audience or listener is able to understand whatever it is that you are trying to say or communicate to them, and perhaps Ms. Norman has applied this technique to her way of speaking.

[@ribeircp1]

CLASSY LADY