Kennedy Center Honors Legend: Leontyne Price (In-Depth Interview)

[@johnj.817]

Who is here in 2024 for QUEEN LEONTYNE she turned 97 years old on february 10. Long life to the Queen. Amazing voice❤❤❤❤❤

[@rachelfaith3578]

April 2024

[@rachelfaith3578]

I hear she is related to Whitney Houston?

[@ronalddade3017]

Right here!!

[@madrasaseries]

hi

[@roroluckystar]

​@@rachelfaith3578yes, she is actually related to Whitney Houston! Whitney's mother cissy, vocally trained her and she's also her cousin...

[@ryanroyal1221]

“My voice is me, what can I say? My voice is what I think life is, my voice is beauty, my voice is America, my voice is my blackness, my voice is love, my voice is God.” Instant tears when she said this. What a fantastic interview and even though time has passed since then, her story and artistic legacy still reflects exactly who she is. A thoroughly American legacy. ❤

[@Jcarolinajr]

How astute and charming of you to say such wonderful things about Miss Price’s artistry. Very loving, most kind.

[@derricksingleton4736]

Excellent Interview. I remember as a child when I heard Aretha Franklin sing Amazing Grace, it also confirmed the Gift of God.

[@Richie8a8y]

ryanroyal1221 Thank You for transcribing this monumental statement. I’ve been in awe of Ms Price since I first heard her. I’ve seen other interviews but this fella really knew his subject and gave us this … this beautiful insight. I’d like to say more but I’d be a fool - I’ll just shut up and listen.

[@direfranchement]

NO hesitancy whatsoever when asked to sing on the spot, no warm up, no preparation. The GOAT.

[@kevintucker6007]

I know right. Always be ready so you don't need to get ready..

[@randallanderson6477]

When I was 15 yrs old - 1962 maybe - sitting in a mown alfalfa field near the Rio Grande - with my little transistor radio to my ears, I heard The Voice of Leontyne Price for the first time. Who is this? I said to myself. Later in the 60's I bought my first complete opera on LP - Tosca, karajan, DiStefano, which to this day sets the standard for all Toscas - Leontyne with her Vissi D'arte. I saw her in concert with our local Symphony Orchestra after her retirement; when she did all her favorite arias and of course the encores...astounding. I have all her recordings now on CD and treasure them. This interview really explains her sheer dignity, beauty and devotion to her art, and life. Is it not sad that today's so-called artists - Black and White - do not know who she is and what she has accomplished for them, and us all? Today's youth, with few exceptions, have no concept of the beauty and unearthly experience that OPERA offers.. Leontyne will always be MY 'idol' and the standard that I set for all who followed. This is beyond 'race' and color. Can I say 'Divine'? Yes.

[@Richie8a8y]

Here Here! Thank You for your story of “first heard…”

[@RoyalSussex1]

🎂Happy 96th Birthday Leontyne Price Thank you for being an inspiration to generation of Opera Lovers around the world.

[@oddbod8655]

I am ashamed to say, at the age of56 I ve only just come across Ms Price. Her voice has utterly staggered me. I ve been listening to her singing Puccini arias, and cried my eyes out. Well thank you God that I ve found this treasure, God bless you Leontyne 🙏

[@danafripp4120]

Welcome! You are in for a beautiful musical tour! Enjoy it!

[@mugrad25]

Youve been bit by the opera bug

[@Karensinger9]

I’m so happy for you and that you have discovered this legend of the Opera World!

[@Black.Nostalgia]

She is the cousin of my Great-Grandmother ❤ So proud to be related to her.

[@Richie8a8y]

Do you sing? I hope you at least hum along. What an immense gift. Please give my regards to the family.

[@Black.Nostalgia]

@@Richie8a8y I do sing a little bit. I used to sing in a group in the 90s-early 2000s but we never got off the ground.

[@SDSFG45]

the owner, of the most beautiful voice, I have EVER heard, in any genre of music. And there is no "close second".

[@fourthgirl]

I was 9 in 1972 and Ms. Price was my selection for presentation at assembly for Black History Month.

[@Richie8a8y]

That’s awesome and wonderful that your school celebrated it 4 yours ahead of the national introduction of it in 1976. I grew up in Boston and it was a terrible time I can tell you but you probably know. I love that you picked Leontyne Price! We were not afforded a “who’s your favorite” but I know I had mine. Love From, Boston! “On Feb. 7, 1926, Carter G. Woodson initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week which led to Black History Month, to extend and deepen the study and scholarship on African American history, all year long”

[@fourthgirl]

@Richie8a8y My father was a lover of music, especially opera. He first told me about Ms. Price and I scurried myself to the library to find out more about her. The following year, I chose pianist Hazel Scott.

[@corneliuswhite5139]

I felt like I've just had tea with Leontyne Price with this most thorough interview. Mr. Jacobsen asked the most wonderful engaging questions. But the END, I was not prepared for. I was reduced to tears, as always when I hear Leontyne sing. Brava Brava Brava!🥰

[@donconhar]

I agree with you 1000% percent. The singing at the end. The joy in her eyes. That beautiful tone....

[@arnoldamaral3814]

Did you ever hear her live? Greetings from France 🇨🇵 mon amie Arnaud Bourbon Amaral 💙

[@Theblackletterlaw]

You're right. The interviewer was wonderful but I was not prepared for the end. My body shivered and I was in tears.

[@Ski3953]

Kudo's to the interviewer. He asked all the right questions with a calm and a respecting deameanor. Also, the way he phrased his questions put Leontyne at ease which prompted her to fully elaborate and open-up in her responses. All-in-all, this interview is one of the best I have ever witnessed.

[@Twentythousandlps]

He's knowledgeable about the art. The non-opera people could only talk about fame and race race race.

[@Richie8a8y]

This man is genius. He understood the gift he knew the assignment. He walked on the moon and brought the goods home. Leontyne Price was a gift to the planet.

[@dantewalston2755]

This is probably one of the best interviews with Price, she is well spoken and poised. Her Butterfly and Trovatore, simply is untouchable, Brava to a truly American jewel!

[@J_The_Word]

I love her cadence and poise. Mrs. Leontyne Price is just enamoring and graceful. Her words seem to fall from her lips like pure radiance; however, what most captivates me is this infinitesimal presence of a southern accent that I can still distinguish when she says words like all-this, to me, is poetry.

[@ianhands663]

She is incomparable. Her voice can be heard 10 miles away and I know its she....her voice is beyond talent

[@ianhands663]

Her pronunciations are impeccable. Wow. Superb Human Being With A GOD Gifted Voice

[@Richie8a8y]

To hear Leontyne Price refer to herself as “Girl Friday” is just astounding. I don’t know another American artist who could hold a candle to her, but Leontyne shone her light for Jesse Norman. Only Joan Sutherland has done as much for her country as Leontyne Price. The epitome of grace and understanding. I feel foolish trying to espouse these gifts Leontyne gave us. But thank you for reading. And thank you Thank You for posting this beautiful interview.

[@thephantomoftheopera7887]

I love her so much. Her opera legacy will live forever, she changed the opera history. She was many of great singers. ❤🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@madamevera]

Bless our beloved Leontyne, and the memory of the wonderful Robert Jacobson.

[@eltesto]

“Having tried to be the best I could be” 😢😭😭😭thank you Ms Price!!!

[@channagirijagadish1201]

One of the best interview I have ever heard. And what an amazing interviewer - he showed the respect and asked all the right questions to our great Soprano Ms. Leontyne Price. Thanks for posting this.

[@Jcarolinajr]

To me, nothing is more sheer joy than to hear Miss Price say that the sound of her own voice gives her goose pimples. I believe that surely must be the truth. Hearing acclaim this fact is a hallmark and an inspiration to be humbled, praised, and rejoiced! ITNOJ.

[@Gladys915]

Dear Ms. Price, You and your voice are unique and immortal. I enjoy all your work, am inspired by it. Thank you.

[@christopherwilliams7113]

Ms. Price smiles and just has so much joy and love in her you can really see it when she talks about her voice she smiles and gets so happy. One of the greatest vocalist of our time.

[@donconhar]

What a thrill to see this! She seems so utterly relaxed. Robert Jacobson was one of the best writers and editors of Opera News.

[@Richie8a8y]

May 16, 1987 - Robert M. Jacobson, editor of Opera News magazine, has died of complications resulting from AIDS. He had a gift and gave it. I don’t think anyone could have gone to the moon and brought us this evidence.

[@heschernp]

An American legend. The voice of the century. I was so fortunate to hear her at Jones Hall in Houston in the 1980s and Carnegie Hall in the 1990s. Some of the most exciting, memorable experiences of my life. So loved and adored by the entire world!

[@MrQbenDanny]

There are few opera voices that are immediately identifiable, Leontyne Price's is unique. I was lucky to see the magical Leonoras and Aida. She made Opera better. Thank You Leontyne.

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

A historic document to say the least. Ms Price seems comfortable with her intelligent interviewer. She convinces me, inspires me by her unencumbered honesty. Brava, Miss Leontyne Price!

[@POLITIMICOST]

what a lovely discovery this interview was! And when she said her fave was that soprano line in the Verdi Requiem, I knew JUST what she meant! And wow! To hear her just let it rip. What a lucky lady to be encouraged from a young age, to get with the right teachers and have her voice be an instrument that astounds even its owner! Beautiful! Brava Signora!!!

[@stuartp4280]

My love of opera began when I heard her voice for the first time.

[@leonardol4745]

I can watch this interview over, and over again. Timeless, inspirational, and knowledgeable.

[@TheVaughan5]

I love her speaking voice as much as her singing voice. I consider Leontyne’s 1961 performance of Aida (RCA) to be one of finest examples of simply the most glorious and extraordinary singing of a Verdi role ever recorded.

[@santi7616]

yes , I think she is the best Aida ever

[@Orfeus80]

Terrible Italian though.

[@santi7616]

well , considering she's not Italian...not bad .

[@santi7616]

well , considering she's not Italian...not bad .

[@Orfeus80]

@santi7616 she changes words, names and makes sounds that mean nothing. That's bad.

[@justcurious830]

I saw her recital in Fort Worth in the early 80's. She was the embodiment of the opera diva. What a presence! I especially remember the way she bowed! The singing was esquisite.

[@judithlungen6958]

I adore Leontyne Price - Thank you for posting this amazing interview! She recorded an extraordinary version of PORGY AND BESS with William Warfield McHenry Boatright John Bubbles. Such a pity this was never made into a film but the recording is available on iTunes etc ❤️❤️❤️

[@direfranchement]

Best interview with her I’ve seen.

[@Hervinbalfour]

I ball everytime I watgh this. A level of vocal ability and talent we shall never see again! God bless Leontyne Price.

[@dianahigbee7685]

This woman is one in a million. I love the artistry of this woman with all my heart.

[@phyllisantebi5618]

How prescient. I too was only 15 years old when I first heard the voice of our Diva, Leontyne Price. Attended two phenomenal performances of Aida in the 1960’s, as well. Still my idol after all these years. More than anything my true hero in spirit as well as in music.

[@GiovanniPiccolo64]

What a remarkable lady, artist, musician, human being Ms. Price is. Regal in every way! Brava! A true American Treasure and ICON!

[@derricklester9210]

Wow she's beautiful ❤️

[@Zenobiadream]

Truely truely magnificent. She’s almost other worldly. Ms Price is a true gift to this world ❤

[@danafripp4120]

Me: Enjoying every moment of this stellar interview. (@1:43:33 Madame Price opens her mouth and releases the opening soprano line of the "Kyrie" from the Verdi REQUIEM.) Also Me: Gasps, Collapses, and is Carried from Earth to Glory on Celestial Waves of Absolute Sonic Perfection. TOD: @1:45:00.) ********************** We are NEVER going to hear ANYONE LIKE HER on this side of eternity EVER AGAIN.

[@Jcarolinajr]

A very wonderful and in-depth conversation with a consummate artist. Her coloration of sound, her timbre and pitch were all unique and seemingly blessings from a rarified realm. Her vessel shall be remembered as a keeper of faith. May God Bless the bliss!

[@dionwilson8913]

What a TOTAL JOY to spend time with Ms Price. It’s always a thrill to hear how artists approach their craft - it gives a glimpse behind their super-human personas. Kudos to the interviewer for eliciting such poignant responses. Brava!!!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

The most amazing interview I have ever seen. Wisdom given with practical application, free of edit to inspire anyone interested in performing arts to be inspired.

[@samueledouardd.2613]

How elegant

[@Colourednexotic]

wow my idol . bellissima . the words ! the story telling ! the announcement of the vowels ! the salute to queen marian anderson ! this is how one has class ! this is class ! all the way ! my prima ❤❤❤❤

[@mc7playatease]

1:31:03 I absolutle LOVE this riff, such thrill that she feels the true trill of her majestic voice. bless you all for honoring and sharing

[@shells500tutubo]

My best friend's mother was a few years older than Leontyne Price and grew up in the same town. She said she always had a beautiful voice, but the choir director had two daughters who she would give all the solos to. Leontyne played the piano. So I think she always had that extraordinary voice, but she didn't realize it. Makes you wonder how many missed fantastic voices there are because of petty people like that.

[@jeffreymiller4814]

She TOTALLY succeeded in being the best that she could be. I saw her in staged opera only a few times, but her recitals were off-the-chart spectacular. SPECTACULAR (all caps, bold, underlined).

[@mattrainey7120]

I got to see her sing at the Fox theater in Atlanta she was so amazing Deborah Rainey

[@tina8796]

What a delightful person. Highly intelligent lady; salutatorian of her class I found out. God given voice; she's my favorite opera singer. I could listen to her all day long.; beautiful speaking voice. God bestowed all the gifts on this lady. Quite beautiful, too, and elegant

[@Duncan456]

Thank you for this wonderful interview!

[@laylay_9979]

An icon and…oh my goodness, no words can describe her impact on the arts and Opera as many know it to be today. Absolutely love her!😩🍸

[@ffilchtaeh]

The Queen. Amazing. Beautiful.

[@jackhamm1745]

@1:39:02 "Because my voice is a rather dark, central, luscious sound...Ah! I do love it. Don't I?" 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Now that's my girl!!! Damn! This is classic Diva speak! I just love her to death!

[@lovie2000]

I wish I had a copy of of all the pages of the paper that I done on her when I was in junior high school.... she was the person I chose to do my paper on, and why I use to sing in an opera style... being from Mississippi... loved her then, love her now, and will love her past it all into the future even after I take my last breath....

[@mylesburris3885]

Great Beauty, Great Poise, Great sense of humor, and absolutely Phenomenal voice!!!!!

[@gregferguson8926]

I just love the transit of thought in this

[@wotan10950]

You’ve probably heard/seen some of the funny anecdotes. She sang at one gala, and afterward was greeted on camera by Beverly Sills. Beverly said simply, “You’re quite a singer!” Leontyne quipped, “You’re not bad yourself!” Another time, Leontyne was accosted by a fan in a department store. The fan gushed, “Oh my God, you’re Joan Sutherland!” Leontyne didn’t miss a beat, and corrected her, “No, I’m not Miss Sutherland….I’m Beverly Sills!”

[@brianfuata1014]

Such good questions

[@Twentythousandlps]

The interviewer is Robert Jacobson, the editor of Opera News.

[@gregorymowery8879]

Robert Jacobson was editor of Opera News a long time ago (1974-1987). He died of AIDS in 1987. He completely modernized Opera News (and was for a time also editor of Ballet News) expanding the magazine's reach and influence. For those of us who were around during that era, Jacobson widen our understanding of the art form, during what we now look back at as a kind of final golden age of opera.

[@tina8796]

This amazing lady is still alive, wow. She must have taken excellent care of herself. I enjoy her interviews; very intelligent and interesting. At least she doesn't say, "you know" every few seconds like so many others.

[@rogerdodger8349]

Legendary.

[@price-singspuccini6124]

“My voice is God.” Exactly. When people inquire about the tattoo on my left arm, I tell them it’s a representation of God. They cross their brow then look again at the tattoo. It’s then that I reveal that the tattoo I have is the face of Leontyne Price! I’ve been a faithful fan of God for 40 years. 😊

[@jammzy2959]

Wow ❤

[@user-fx3jw2qm1q]

I love her confidence...

[@AnnetteHollander]

I was amazed!!

[@classicalaid1]

At one point in my life I was deathly ill and it was to Ms. Price's performances on disc I turned to for comfort and support. In particular there is one opera set, the Price, Domingo Il Trovatore discs, with Zubin Mehta conducting, which helped get me through my numerous challenges. And many top tier opera critics agree that the Mehta/ Trovatore set is the top in its field. Curiously, years later, I met with music administrator Mervon Mehta, Zubin's son, for coffee, to discuss a charitable concert project I was developing. And sitting down to chat with him, the very first thing I mentioned was the Price/ Domingo historic disc set his father so ably conducted.

[@liedersanger1]

And what did he say?

[@classicalaid1]

@@liedersanger1 He said thank you in a busuiness-like way and we changed the subject. There was no reminiscing or comment. Just three days ago, at a large music /charitable event, there he was again. I didn't get to chat with him but with two friends of his.

[@jamesanderson3077]

I happened to come across this in depth & inspiring interview. of one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th Century. What a fabulous personality! But WHY the DEPLORABLE English transcription?

[@Annapolitain]

I grew up not far from where Leontyne Price is from and I truly miss hearing women speak like this.

[@ianhands663]

Awesome

[@spirituality101andbeyond]

1:43:29 she sings 🤩❤️🙏

[@Cat-no8ts]

"La Forza del Destino"...my absolute favorite from her. Love Leotyne Price! 😂

[@jsl1952]

true diva, exceptional.

[@teepee431]

Good god. Where was this hiding all this while? Overwhelmed. MORE LATER, AFTER CALMING DOWN A LITTLE.

[@Bhgh-kq6qc]

2024 , the true voice

[@iniakalitoni8644]

She has a plum black skin tone. My favourite 😩🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️

[@Metronoma1]

What year was this recorded? Looks like the late 80s? Love Leontyne❤️❤️

[@cappycapuzi1716]

This bought tears to my eyes. Does anyone know what year this took place?

[@liedersanger1]

1980

[@wotan10950]

Well, Leontyne was never known for false modesty - she knew her voice was celestial. I saw her only twice onstage; once in an opera, another time, in a concert.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

1:17 - don't know what that room is but i would happily live there now! i love lots of windows and the decor is sparse (ish).

[@iAAmbrose]

[@gustavomartincambranis3961]

DIVA!

[@ScoBroCity]

Who is the interviewer?

[@adrianoavellinomorata4376]

Is ms price related to dionne warwick and whitney houston?

[@skip031890]

No.

[@yessir_mr_ross]

Yes, she is. They’re all biological cousins.

[@jamesharris-io3kz]

Oui, oui. Yes, yes. Dionne Warwick mentions regularly over the years. Also Listed in Wikipedia

[@kitbirskovich1838]

Did I miss something, or is the date (at least the year) of this interview not revealed?

[@liedersanger1]

1980.

[@ScoBroCity]

I believe this was recorded in 1980 for context :)

[@unphazd5137]

She's Whitney Houston's and Dionne Warwick's cousin

[@halethompson9509]

She is not related to Houston or Warwick. Houston and Warwick are related

[@unphazd5137]

@@halethompson9509 go do your research..

[@oliviaschnepf2994]

I would remark that they are her cousins

[@unphazd5137]

@@halethompson9509 Casual fan spotted

[@JoshuaLemus-x9h]

they don't make like her anymore... ugh

[@rochellewarren5008]

💜☄️

[@peteradaniel]

10:07 Zinka Milanov burn! 😂

[@jackhamm1745]

👌👌👌👌👌👌🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@michaeldslipp1078]

Ha, ha! I didn’t really take it as a burn. Ms. Price was simply too busy when so young. But yes . . . 😂.

[@michaeldslipp1078]

Also, she gave credit to the great Marian Anderson. And a great, great Black American predecessor.

[@samueledouardd.2613]

I think she must be fluent in French

[@renaissanceinblack]

He said Milanov! 😂😅😮

[@BarryCorbett-x9m]

Why can't they be the least bit humble for their gifts? By the way, I actually earned my degree from the Ivy League through study, hard work and great expense.

[@DeoMotoable]

From a musically gifted family. Could it be genetic?

[@MisterMan7516]

She’s got a case of the Madonnas. She’s American. But that contrived accent 😂

[@liedersanger1]

Contrived is a put-down. I’d describe her speech as cosmopolitan, on a distinct bed of Mississippi.

[@ronalddade3017]

Nothing contrived.....she's an artist and artists describe their truth with the emotion and the articulation OF their TRUTH!! When you've had such an undeniable and irrefutable STELLAR career has Madame Price has had, you've earned and have the LIBERTY to EXPRESS yourself however you choose to!! She has ALWAYS articulated her coversational engagements in this manner. It's just simply the GRANDEUR of WHO she IS and the art form which she has mastered which commands such! She is TRUTH personified!! She is RAW and REAL in her authenticity!! Nothing CONTRIVED....nothing FAKE...nothing PHONY....just CLASS and SOPHISTICATION all wrapped in HUMILITY and the DIVINE!!

[@jackhamm1745]

A Southern accent sounds contrived to your ears? Wow! She sounds down right small town Mississippi to me.

[@jammzy2959]

No one contrives a southern accent....

[@2gther4ever]

You’re the only contrived thing here