Lincoln Memorial Concert | Voice of Freedom | American Experience | PBS

Marian Anderson stepped up to a microphone placed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and stared out at a crowd of more than 75,000 people. She had been barred from performing at Constitutional Hall, but thanks to clever advocacy by Walter White of the NAACP and the aid of high-powered allies like Eleanor Roosevelt, the concert was now set to make history.
She performed seven songs for the assembled crowd and the audience listening live over the radio. It was a mix of American Spirituals and classical repertoire: “America,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” “Ave Maria,” “Gospel Train,” “My Soul Is Anchored in the Lord,” “O mio Fernando” and “Trampin’.”
Learn more about VOICE OF FREEDOM, including where to watch the documentary: www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexpe...
On Easter Sunday, 1939, contralto Marian Anderson stepped up to a microphone in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Inscribed on the walls of the monument behind her were the words “all men are created equal.” Barred from performing in Constitution Hall because of her race, Anderson would sing for the American people in the open air. Hailed as a voice that “comes around once in a hundred years” by maestros in Europe and widely celebrated by both white and black audiences at home, her fame hadn’t been enough to spare her from the indignities and outright violence of racism and segregation. Voice of Freedom interweaves Anderson’s rich life story with this landmark moment in history, exploring fundamental questions about talent, race, fame, democracy, and the American soul.
#MarianAndersonPBS

[@ladybhive1210]

She is a beautiful woman and that voice! Thank you Marion Anderson for opening the doors for African American and non-Afro American women

[@ciprositydc]

What a stunning voice. Immediate tears, heavenly.

[@Joe_J-MT_Boy]

This made me tear up really bad when I first watched the complete documentary when it originally aired on PBS... and it make me cry seeing it again today. When I look primarily at the white faces in that crowd and their reaction to her, I cannot imagine what it must have been like to hear her LIVE. She certainly handled her 'moment' with exceptional grace and dignity, and that is a lesson for all people, not just people of color.

[@glendonmcgee9478]

I feel you on the tearing up she got me too.

[@artymsoja2883]

Hey does anyone know where I can watch the full documentary 😭😭

[@lindahillemann5880]

@@artymsoja2883 Check the PBS website or their KZbin channel. I googled it and it looks like it's in either place.

[@tarafranklin8276]

I'm so grateful that Marian Anderson was a part of the curriculum I teach. Her voice is ethereal. Her story and activism is inspiring.

[@robmurphy4270]

It's not part of mine but I teach about her anyway.

[@robertsmith-dr5tm]

Your students are so fortune to have you

[@jamesrcox8735]

I taught my students about her today.

[@craisins95]

I’m so glad that you teach her! I did a report and presentation on her in grade school. I was a singer as well so I wanted to pick an influential singer. So glad I got the chance to learn about her.

[@zackgeldhof1206]

Woww...... Sadly I was not taught of this amazing woman until today. How beautiful! What a voice! What a powerful moment!

[@TupacDatBtch]

I just learned about her right now

[@anniechao8930]

When I was in college, I went to Ms. Anderson performance , the first and the last time ever in Taiwan. We was in tears all during the show. She is the big figur in my life, ever since then I follow her all my life, and know what are classical music…. I am now still in tears after 60 years…

[@daniedanguilan3860]

Such a very extra ordinary voice....Beautiful

[@pd4106]

I am blown away (today, in 2021) by this grand performance by Marian Anderson in 1939. This is and was very historic. God Bless our Nation, the USA.

[@vatrweaver5169]

Your meen oh those grate old days 😢

[@ladybhive1210]

For an African American woman to sing at the Lincoln Memorial the nation's capital in 1939 that was historical.☺️

[@cholst1]

Pff, this happened in spite of your nations history. This is someone who had to leave for Europe because of Jim Crow laws to further her career. And this only became possible after she was internationally recognized as one of the voices of her generation. To hell with the US. All power to Marian Anderson.

[@paxguns]

Thank you for posting. I defy anyone to hear her sing without shedding a tear.

[@CatherineTidmore]

Thank you so much, Dan Rather and Steady, for sharing this in January 2022!

[@moe3826]

Man to think my ancestors could've just let her sing. I'm finding out through family that some of the women in our family and others up to grandparents had registered as the daughters of the revolution (the people who stopped this beautiful woman from singing in that hall.) I am so glad they got the slap in the face they deserved seeing color means nothing l, especially a voice like that! ❤ Just look at that crowd!! 👏 What a queen!

[@kellicoffman8440]

I am so glad we have this record of her talent poise and grace

[@josephgreeley5569]

It's events like this that both sadden me and yet also give me hope. I'm sad (well pissed off would be more accurate) that the DAR was so effin' racist to deny such a talented woman the right to sing in their hall because of her skin colour. It gives me hope that the nation came together (with a hefty shove from Eleanor Roosevelt) to say "screw that, we want to hear her sing!" and showed up in such numbers that would have filled the DAR Hall 21 times over. My god what a voice!

[@sparklehunter]

I think it was this concert that made the DAR think again! They invited her in 1942 to raise money for the war effort and she performed at Constitution Hall in 1943.

[@ros8986]

Yes but if the DAR had not barred her, this great event would not have happened. So we must be grateful to the DAR for its action.

[@oscarotero6097]

I can't avoid tears listening to this brave woman. I think she was an indispensable one

[@F.REEDOM]

❤️

[@laurencaulton103]

She sang to our nation.

[@jfh9209]

Thanks to Michael E. Ruane and the Washington Post for bringing this to my attention: "On Easter Sunday 1939, the African American opera star Marian Anderson elevated the meaning of the memorial when she sang there after she was barred from performing at Whites-only Constitution Hall, seven blocks away. “When Marian Anderson stepped on that platform and sang, ‘My country tis of thee’ … it was transformative,” said historian Harold Holzer, author of the 2019 book, “Monument Man,” about the Lincoln sculptor Daniel Chester French. “Sweet land of liberty,” she sang, “to thee we sing,” changing the standard lyrics “of thee I sing.”" “Suddenly this statue and this building became a symbol of aspirational equality, instead of just a symbol of Northern and Southern brotherhood,” Holzer said in a recent telephone interview. “And I think it’s held that place now for four score of its hundred years. It means much more. And that’s why it’s so mesmerizing and so moving to this day.”

[@ngalahansel6066]

Wow, I remember reading about her in secondary school here in Cameroon in an encycopedia. Now more than 15 years later, I got to hear what she really sounded like and boy, she's good!

[@Jaycons1972]

How proud she must have felt. Why hasn't everyone heard of this wonderful lady? A true lover of country and freedom. God rest her soul.

[@TheParentDr]

Feb 20, 2023 - This still takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes

[@carlito7625]

I could watch this again and again....so moving.

[@artymsoja2883]

Hey do you know where I can watch the full documentary 😭

[@carlito7625]

@@artymsoja2883 Amazon prime Tittle; once in a hundred years.

[@artymsoja2883]

@@carlito7625 thank you so so much 😭😭😭🙏🏾

[@jlb9368]

We should be teaching THIS at every school.

[@ArducNation]

Elenor Roosevelt didn't go there for Anderson have all the spotlight. God Bless Her Beautiful Soul ❤

[@johnconnell9836]

I just discovered her on PBS. I haven't heard a better rendition of Ave Maria before now. OMG, why haven't I heard her beautiful voice in my 55 years until tonight?!!

[@coletamia0126]

Excited to watch this!!!

[@thezmanchar]

I just must have seen the documentary like 20 times. I just love this lady. I wish I can travel back in time.

[@daniel_5606]

Beautiful contralto..🥺👏

[@cmebans35]

Proud moment in American History 🙌🙌🙌 My children are blessed July 3 2024

[@romie80nbg]

Dieses Video sehe ich zum ersten Mal, hatte nie vorher von Marian Anderson gehört. Ich bin zutiefst beeindruckt, wie diese Veranstaltung zustande kam. Sie berührt mein Herz.

[@taralh1986]

I love seeing the background of this historic moment. Some of the "officials" look angry that she's there. And then she comes out and sings beautifully. The only thing I can think of that could have been changed was singing in "My Country Tis of Thee" in a lower key for her contralto voice. This must not have been something singers did back in 1939. But she sang it beautifully, and the silence as she performed was palpable. That's the best reaction to receive as a singer! She is such an inspiration.

[@ShadiyahOfMaryland]

Happy 127th Birthday Ms. Anderson!

[@FeminineAroma]

I remember picking out a book in the library of my elementary school. I am so glad I picked it out. I was so glad I learned about Ms. Anderson. ❤ I genuinely think this video isn’t doing us justice. I wish all of us who are viewing this video could actually listen to this live.

[@terryjames548]

This old video I've never seen has brought me to tears in 2024. I had no clue who she was.

[@user-dl8zd6mm1s]

Most beautiful voice in history!!!!

[@dy1422]

Forever in my heart ❤ ♥

[@oldones59]

God bless us all 🎶

[@thomaspavnica9893]

Can someone find a better word than Magnificent to describe Ms. Anderson's beautiful voice? I think not.

[@donosodemaistre2764]

She sings: "My Country, 'Tis of Thee..." Back then, black emancipation was seen and hailed as an act of patriotism. The counter culture changed this in the 1960s/70s. From then on it was more like: Less America, more freedom. Yet, still the opposite is true. More patriotism, more America, more freedom.

[@clairesmith1234]

Very moving, a great woman!

[@jp2053]

Amen hallelujah!!!

[@jamesrcox8735]

The moment was dripping with symbolism. A black woman, descended from slavery singing My Country Tis of Thee extolling the virtues of the nation that was still in the evil grip of Jim Crow laws. The mighty statue of the man most responsible for freeing four million Americans from slavery as her backdrop. A citizen of the United States expressing her love of country and her love for her roots as an African American. The joyful expressions on the faces of African Americans in the crowd of 75,000. The expressions of wonderment and dawning appreciation on the faces of white Americans in the crowd. No doubt many of whom were hearing her sing for the first time. There are moments in American history that show what this country is truly about and what it could yet become. This is one of the big ones. Marian Anderson, singing in front of the Lincoln Memorial makes me proud to be an American.

[@lindagranitto7340]

Me too ❣️🎶

[@jeffersonjames1964]

If this does not move you; omg. what will!

[@JoanSutherlandFan]

Breathtaking!

[@waldogonzalez4350]

Bravo.

[@sherryevon9908]

Thank you Marian Anderson for opening the way for future African Americans

[@claremurray6357]

So beautiful! Diverse crowd!!!

[@martincook318]

Watching this old film from 1939 I say good on Marian Anderson and the 75OOO People who thonged the Lincoln Memorial and told that Narrow Mnded Racially lot where to stick there Concert and thank God those days have gone as I judge People on Merit and not on Colour of their Skin and Marian Anderson was one of the Greatest Singer's who ever lived along with Paul Robeson and they were both good People

[@lindagranitto7340]

You forgot Roland Hayes. I think there are people who would disagree with you about Robeson being a good person however. He might have been a superb singer/actor but he lacked the grace of Anderson. Her leaning was spiritual and his was political

[@anniechao8930]

75 thousand! Oh my Lord.

[@FredPickett]

What a voice R.I.P. Mrs. Marion.

[@michaelmcdonagh5104]

Very beautiful .

[@richardbakre5251]

Moving! Speechless.

[@willowbark5649]

Can't wait to watch this.

[@limitsybernews8313]

Sorry. this is a very good documentary film. when in production?

[@willowbark5649]

@@limitsybernews8313 It aired Feb. 15, 2021, but I believe you can find it on KZbin, or through PBS by Googling. Hope that helps. 😊

[@monikagarnys5504]

How moving it is

[@demonorse]

This is beautiful. WTF happened to us?

[@BarryB.Benson]

I swear the media’s been trying to divide us.

[@davesnothere11]

It ain’t the media. “The fault, dear Horatio, is not in our stars; it is in ourselves.”

[@Munchausen45]

Unfortunately there are a lot of states where they want to remove things like this from curriculum because “it’s CRT that’s indoctrinating our children” 🙄 Not realizing that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it

[@groneass2006]

I don't think whatever happened, hasn't actually happened yet.

[@demonorse]

@@groneass2006 Oh it's gonna get worse all right. So far we're following the national socialist playbook, ahead of schedule.

[@mscman4589]

We botched the Reconstruction and we've been paying the price ever since. Petition your congressional representative for the removal of "Qualified Immunity." Send your representative in Congress a letter for how Qualified Immunity permits law enforcement to evade accountability for civil rights violations. Qualified Immunity was originally meant to protect law enforcement from spurious lawsuits. Since its enactment, however, Qualified Immunity has devolved to becoming a shield for malevolent acts by those who seek to maintain a knee at the neck of those of color. Please write your congressional representative and tell them what you think!

[@sparklehunter]

In September 1942 the DAR invited Marian Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall for a series of benefit concerts to aid the war relief. Marian Anderson performed at the first of these concerts in January 1943.

[@kellicoffman8440]

Guess they learned the lesson what grace and dignity she displayed

[@freshencounter]

❤️

[@arlenehensley6753]

What a gift the United States missed for so many years due to her color!

[@maxmillanmaxmillan]

Europe was much more accepting of her talent than USA. Europe recognizes beauty and rarity.

[@jessewilson9782]

LOVE IT 😊

[@blogshagify]

When classical music was king

[@bluespringsmom]

It seemed she sang it as a prayer. ❤

[@shawntipton5078]

Anyone around 85 here would have remembered a time just prior to the civil war, they would have witnssed and perhaps debated the issues and they might even had encountered former slaves and soldiers of the war, though unlikely it is possible that former emancipated slaves were still alive at this event, certainly at the memorial opening in the 1920s.

[@juansamillan6632]

El miedo reflejado en la mirada

[@artymsoja2883]

Does anyone know where I can watch the full documentary 😭😭😍

[@suezrayesherar6017]

💖

[@beverlyburch2362]

Too think those days when it was so much hate in the world only to see them sitting in ah. She had a very unique voice that was bless by God.

[@CeliaMitchell-ot5ir]

Oh ,Dear ,Classy, Beautiful Brave Ms Marion Anderson, how I would have loved to witness this great moment in history. Racism is cruel, nasty, vicious envious, etc. I hope the DAR Wthey accepted God's Son Jesus The Christ as their Saviour so He could fix their hearts. Thank you , dear Lady. Thank you

[@seanjpstroud]

Richard Powers brought me here

[@lynnerambo2806]

Me too!!

[@maxmillanmaxmillan]

Time is way overdue on a movie on her. Albeit, it would be difficult to find a singer to match her rare dramatic contralto voice.

[@jessewilson9782]

THIS IS 1938 LOOK AT THE MIXED CROWD WHY THE SEPARATION LET ALL GET ALONG.

[@ripadipaflipa4672]

Great post! Thank you for posting yet another black woman that no white children are taught about in school. Without our citizens of color where would our music b today???????

[@jamesrcox8735]

I my students about her, today.

[@alanpattinson6211]

Along with Paul Robeson what a tragedy of talent to racialism.

[@veronicaalleyne]

the irony of a Black woman singing of freedom in a country still looking to deny it to her

[@nealhurwitz]

xoxoxo

[@zabluoc4549]

This is a story made for a great movie... Tyler Perry stop all your BS and start digging for this kind of subject ..

[@nielslundgreen3539]

Friends, 2.000 years ago the apostle John wrote: (Listen to the Lord; Revelation cap. 14: ) 3 And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. Quote. This is from the Lord to all of us. ”make every place you put your foot a holy place for God". Amen

[@snicker576]

She may not be hot, but she's a very talented singer and seems like a nice lady

[@nielslundgreen3539]

The angel told her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor [a] with God. 31 You will become pregnant, give birth to a son, and name him Jesus. 32 He will be a great man and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 Your son will be king of Jacob’s people forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be? I’m a virgin.” 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God. Amen. From my heart.

[@andersjohansson1889]

Not that good, too quaky and affected.

[@Munchausen45]

You try singing in front of 75,000 people and not be nervous 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mthokozisingwenya7816]

😂🤣😅

[@Austin-sc2lu]

Aww poor little white man

[@meh8982]

You're not used to the operatic style, that's all.