Marian Anderson Sings at Lincoln Memorial

Marian Anderson, contralto, was denied the right to perform at Constitution Hall by the DAR because of her color. Instead, and at the urging of Eleanor Roosevelt, Harold Ickes permitted her to perform at the Lincoln Memorial on April 9, 1939.

[@terrywestbrook-lienert2296]

A truly defining moment for America. Marian Anderson rose above bigotry and ignorance to give the world the utter splendor of her rich contralto.

[@MsReta2010]

Yes indeed I hear U..

[@MsReta2010]

Have a great day hun :))

[@terrywestbrook-lienert2296]

Reta DeLarge you too, my dear. Keep on making that great art!

[@MsReta2010]

Terry Westbrook-Lienert I am I got a beauty rendering now sweety !!!!

[@terrywestbrook-lienert2296]

David Matsusaka indeed. I have another video from YT, about black divas...keep your eye out for it.

[@johalieb1]

M.A voice was amazing. And Eleanor Roosevelt, in setting up this concert for her at the Lincoln memorial, was decades ahead of her time in attitude.

[@Darrigrande]

Eleanor Roosevelt was a humanitarian, an inspiring woman ahead of her time.

[@mskathy0724]

@@Darrigrande Yes, Eleanor Roosevelt performed many humanitarian acts. It was a running joke on radio at the time that she was rarely at home for so many things to do.

[@puertoricanguy999]

Why is it that whenever I hear her, her voice makes me want to cry tears of joy?

[@oldwhippersnapper3]

You're not the only one.

[@pete1729]

It's because you are human and you recognize our potential when you see it.

[@TiagoNYC]

It makes a lot of people cry, till this day. It’s her divine voice, and the political backdrop she found herself in.

[@AbyaaJones]

BECAUSE SHE HAS A MUSICAL GIFT THAT CAN TOUCH THE INSIDE OF YOUR SOUL.🎼🎶🎤💯 #ripMarianAnderson

[@ltljulian]

Maybe you have conjunctivitis.

[@JerichoMile4]

I love the smile of Marian Anderson at 1:11 (great voice and courage !!)

[@RHathemoment]

Gorgeous.❤️

[@beckyann8389]

I agree

[@blackjakko]

This is so moving to be able to see and hear her sing drawing so many to witness this momentous occasion. Beauty, talent and BRAVERY!!!

[@ping9746]

I have been repeating this video for the last hour. Her voice is so breathtaking.

[@beckyann8389]

Yeah I know right? Marian was amazing

[@michelleesposito8694]

that vibrato is so strong, contralto slay

[@wolfgangsomary3009]

Singing before 75,000 people on such an historical occasion is cause enough for a vibrato.

[@madelinewatts6180]

YEAHHHHH SLEIGHHHHH

[@aileen694]

I believe Marion Anderson was soprano, not contralto! Anyway, a gorgeous voice.

[@michelleesposito8694]

@@aileen694 I've read that she was also a dramatic soprano, but she is best known as a contralto, the lowest of the female voice types. I'm not sure if she was a coloratura contralto or not.

[@bluelou7044]

it took guts to stand in front of that crowd...but her true talent came through and now so many years later we have this historical moment to cherish...thank you Ms. Anderson for your courage and talent

[@TheTinkertoyboy]

Probably one of the first civil rights "moments". Shame on the DAR.

[@Civille7]

No surprise there

[@mobutter2879]

Ed H. ❤️

[@christinec.6685]

They did issue her a public apology.

[@Schnitzelschitzen]

This lone voice with such beauty and grace truly did echo the wishes and dreams from those from the past who longed for their freedoms. Marian Anderson was lifted into fame by her determination to display her talent which was a gift from God. She is a shining example of a person dedicated to the human cause and through her discipline and courage, took that step and was catipulted into history.

[@EightAsterisk]

It gave me chills down my spine, especially knowing the story behind this one, beautiful, perfect performance.

[@recycledknowledge6105]

Back in 1980 my elementary school was named after this great woman!

[@KissMyBiscuits]

Incredible! Thanks to the producers of "Taking the Stage: African American Music and Stories that Changed the America" for educating me on the courage and talents of this remarkable woman. And huge props to Eleanor Roosevelt!

[@machovoce6579]

This is one of the great moments in American history by one of the greatest voices America ever produced. Although often considered a contralto, Anderson was a true fogato, the rarest of female voices that can encompass repertoire from contralto to soprano. When she broke the color barrier at the Metropolitan Opera many years later it was at the invitation of an imperious Jewish Austrian, no native born American. That point should not be wasted on anyone in the unfortunate age of Trump.

[@danilmorris3848]

impressed that you know those terms..i dont.

[@Dave-ol7cc]

...but....but....but.... Critical Race Theory is Communist Libtard isn't it?

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

What does Trump have to do with it? Can't resist bashing someone of a different political persuasion? For your information, Trump is not racist. Only a fool would believe the rhetoric coming from the left. Congratulations 👏

[@jeffersonjames1964]

This was a civil rights moment, with 1000 watts of light written over it; of course, not just because of the powerful sprit and voice of Miss Anderson, but also, the amazing fortitude of Eleanor Roosevelt. 2 great women ahead of their time. BRAVO!

[@elizabethgardner2341]

Tears every single time i hear the majesty of her voice and herself

[@DeniseBHam]

This probably was the cultural moment that lifted up the Civil Rights Movement. Please spend a minute to listen to this beautiful lady.

[@scottthompson5604]

It seems that as FDR's Four Freedoms: 1) Freedom from want; and, fear. Many Americans and others internationally have yet to heed Martin Luther King's implicit message of Agape;irregardless of race--for life, liberty, Happiness. In truth few Americans today know what the Founders meant by Happiness--as MLK's life meant.

[@DeniseBHam]

Yesterday, April 9th was the 75th anniversary of Marian Anderson's concert at the Lincoln Memorial. While the DOA (Daughters of the American Revolution) refused to let her sing because of her race, Eleanor Roosevelt organized an outdoor concert. Then, Eleanor cancelled her membership with the DOA.

[@Mary-xu2lc]

Denise B. Ham My family has had contacts for being DOA, I will NEVER fucking try to let them use my name in their fucking bullshit. (Then again, they contacted my mother, and not me, because I'm a ''bastard'', I imagine, but I don't live there anymore.) I remember in elementary school, I got to do a project about Marian Anderson; we out-lined a student's body and then we got to transform the outline with text and drawing. I drew a (as best as I could) beautiful face with a nicely shaped singing mouth on her and tried to present her to the class the best I could. I remember, I was proud of her, so proud for her bravery, and I had only read her encyclopedia entry at the time. (I was a an 6-7 yr old in 1998, so, no interwebs at the time for me, ha ha.)

[@annetiracchia473]

January 20, 2021---a good day to hear this over and over again.

[@sandylivingston7655]

I have never heard of this woman until 60 minutes mentioned her in a story about the new museum being built in DC. She was an incredible singer!

[@tinyghost8921]

That was so beautiful, it was spectacular! Marian Anderson had no problem projecting her voice, she simply thought of the segregated people in the back of the theaters and she wanted to make sure they could hear as well.

[@murrayaronson3753]

There were movies based on the lives of some operatic/classical singers, e.g. Enrico Caruso, Jenny Lind, Marjorie Lawrence, Dame Nellie Melba, and the castrato Farinelli. I think a fine dramatic film could be made about Marian Anderson.

[@AEMoreira81]

The problem is: who could actually play Marian Anderson adequately? Her singing voice could be any qualified contralto, but who could portray the woman?

[@murrayaronson3753]

Any suggestions? I have ideas about such a movie. For one thing it starts on the night of her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1955 and ends at the 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert.

[@williamcomiskey6388]

Yes, and Paul Robeson too.

[@juansierralonche9864]

Murray Aronson Another problem is that Ms. Anderson, is she were still around, would never ever allow it. She was an EXTREMELY private person. Although she had much success singing in Europe (as well as the US) she always turned down any chance to join an opera company, even though she was heavily pursued, especially by the Russians. She had no training as an actress and wouldn't consider giving a performance that was beneath her, so rather than show her emotions or try to open up in that way, she chose only to perform concerts and recitals with an occasional aria thrown in - usually one she had been strongly trained for. And once she was off stage, she was back to private citizen. There was no diva in her. Near her home in Connecticut she was known and greatly respected but she never let anyone give her their space in a store's checkout line or do any favors for her. She was completely deferential to all get neighbors and very generous. Her story was a proud one but there was no drama..

[@cncmike]

Freedom did indeed ring on that day in 1939. Thank you Marian for having the courage and conviction to perform.

[@playmobilkingtv6362]

***** yea

[@lurking0death]

+cncmike Yup! And thank you Eleanor Roosevelt for bravely coming forward and making a statement. Eleanor publically and loudly quit the DAR over this issue and arranged to have Marion Anderson sing at the Lincoln Memorial. This was 1939. It was a brave thing for a white first lady to do. And, as you see from this clip, it was very, very well received by blacks and whites alike.

[@mamatibborscassady9388]

She was not only amazing singer, Eleanor Roosevelt was also amazing.......

[@sofiak7282]

I agree

[@joslyncarter4813]

Yeah. I'd like to do more research. I've heard she was quite a lady.

[@elchaposmoneyroom2958]

@Robert Heintze Nah bro she was ugly 🤷

[@TheKhufu1]

mamatibbors cassady of course, Eleanor Roosevelt was biracial herself.

[@charliethecockatoo2159]

@@TheKhufu1 no, no she was not.

[@BellaFirenze]

A great artist. A great American. A voice heard once every 100 years.

[@DrDeniseElizabethHallDVM]

Who is Marian Anderson? This is an amazing contralto of world renown, who found strength in performing through her instrument of voice! As a contralto myself, I find her timbre rich and deep as the African roots of which we both pride as the most true of Americans! Best love, my sister!

[@defan2105]

May God forever bless her soul. What a voice, what a blessing to hear it.

[@Melinator1000]

love this. she's beautiful in every way and her voice is just unbelievable it's true, such a voice is really rare, I wish I could hear her in real life..

[@markjohnson9455]

She had an amazing voice, grace, and pose in the way she carried herself.

[@keithninesling6057]

Truly one of the greats... A national treasure. Makes me feel proud to be a resident of Philadelphia, her home town...

[@markittali52]

I just learned that Marian Anderson is here accompanied by the Finnish pianist Kosti Vehanen, who also was her friend and teacher in Europe. They have several recordings together. In the "good old days" the name of the accompanist was not always mentioned. Marian Anderson´s and Kosti Vehanen´s Ave Maria is one of the best versions of Schubert´s composition.

[@ozsfi]

Vehanen wrote a book of their journey together, you can read it here: www.archive.org/stream/marianandersonpo00veha?ref=ol#page/n293/mode/2up

[@corneliuswhite5139]

@@ozsfi Thank you very much for your posting of his book. It really needs to be realized on the screen. I love the part where she sings to the prisoners and they sing back to her.

[@ozsfi]

@@corneliuswhite5139 I'm happy that you found this information.

[@sabrinanewson5870]

She was just a beautiful soul

[@yaminhaniyah2979]

What a excellent voice she has. So glad to hear a singer from the late 1930's.

[@davidbehman]

Beautiful. I love my country. Thanks for posting.

[@powerofalto]

Marion Anderson's artistry exemplifies the way that musical integrity might emerge from strength of character. Obviously, history is riddled with despicable people who have nonetheless been wonderful artists. What sets Anderson apart is the integration of that glorious instrument, and exceptional facility, with a rock-solid commitment to the composer's intentions. This coupling of capacity and commitment yields exceptionally moving performances, displaying humility and conviction in equal measure.

[@carteroselett6397]

So amazing that Ms. Anderson's performance at the Lincoln Memorial will be depicted on the back of the new $5 Bill in circulation!!!

[@bluepearl6585]

Carter Oselett a teacher has the same last name as Kristen Anderson

[@madelinewatts6180]

I WAS THERE

[@_adriennemckenna]

Our music teacher showed this to us Friday and I loved it so I have been watching it

[@user-jn5ej3iq5e]

"A great woman with a great story"

[@thisisLEA]

I'm so grateful this video exists. Thank you for sharing.

[@groundcontrol436385]

Harold Ickes rearely gets the recognition he deserves for his great service to this country. Lovely rendition.

[@MrRJMGREEN]

I grew up hearing that story from my grandmother. Thanks for summarizing it for everyone. The legacy lives on.

[@LunaXInferno]

I read her biography today at work when I was putting the biographies away. Wow she's so inspirational. Wish kids now and days could look up to someone like her!

[@BillWestcottPiano]

Thanks for posting this. it made my day.

[@leenalfaleh1136]

In English class we had a story called "When Marian Sings" and it talks about her life

[@EricBrownBey]

Leen Alfaleh I saw that book in my class 6 years ago we read it and I took it home with me I don't have it anymore

[@annemccrady]

75,000 people stood to hear this dramatic and historic performance by the woman who was my voice-major mother's vocal heroine in the 40s, when racial injustice scarred even the arts.

[@itsrosib]

In Danbury Ct, a place where Marian Anderson lived, there is a mural being painted of her in the down town area by local artist Luana Barcelos. Thought this was pretty cool and wanted to share with anyone interested

[@sheltv100]

After Beyonce sang at Obama's inaguration twice, she should thank Marion Anderson for helping to break down racial barriers.

[@lovelydaniel8083]

....and I always wonder why Beyonce wore that big ass fur coat at the inauguration and now I know.....She was lowkey paying tribute!!!

[@Kelly_C]

Shouldn't Obama be thanking her too?

[@sheltv100]

Every former president should thank her, not just Obama.

[@daniellondono6688]

And Aretha Franklin, she sang the same song at obama's inauguration

[@drewerving7428]

Who cares?

[@higharch]

Thank you, great Diva.

[@Freckleface1969]

She had a unique voice and this helped with my 7 year olds history lesson. Thank you

[@glassisland]

What an amazing story, and an amazing lady.

[@devdaskakati3663]

Marian Anderson's story culturally lifts us all. We are still civilized.

[@kendalson7817]

This was lovely. Thanks!

[@ernestharrington8897]

Saw this at the Danbury museum. And still brings tears.

[@LVStarrTV]

Cool! Marion Anderson was my grandma's (Virnia Anderson) first cousin. Their mom's were sisters. She told me about Marion a long time ago, but this is the first time I have looked up one of her performances. She had a beautiful voice!!

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

Marian.

[@rclark231]

What a beautiful voice, and what an awesome moment in history.. Wish I had been there. Unfortunately I hadn't been born yet.

[@equalizertime6615]

HER VOICE IS FILLED WITH LOVE , LOVE OF PEOPLE NO HATE NO RACISM LOVE OF HER COUNTRY NOT AFRICA AMERICA !! PROUD AND FULL OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD HOW FAR OUR COUNTRY HAS FALLEN !!

[@cwcwful]

I wish this was longer.

[@sandybrotman390]

Marion Anderson had tremendous courage and dignity, despite the abuse she took. She was more American than the people who denied her access to the DAR hall.

[@xboxerguy5749]

I love hearing Marian Anderson's voice because she inspires me a whole lot. I thing the only mistake is that she should of still be hear today to sing to us and make nice songs but if she were still living she would be 119 years old her birthday is on the 27th of february

[@andrewamende3338]

I've been reading a book about her for school and just WOW, first time I've heard her voice and just I'm speechless

[@drspaseebo410]

What a despicable thing it was that this wonderfully talented person was not allowed to sing at Constitution Hall because of her colour. What a condemnation of the leaders at that time. And what courage she showed by singing at the Lincoln Memorial honouring the US President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation !

[@puterboy2]

Is it true that they would not let her sing in a theater.

[@futurenow522]

the daughters of the American Revolution, ,wouldn't let her sing at Constitution Hall

[@AEMoreira81]

And Eleanor Roosevelt resigned her membership from the organization (which is hereditary) as a result.

[@mrthompson601]

True

[@them0ther]

It is hereditary; however, I am sure none of Crispus Attuck's descendants were ever invited to be members. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crispus_Attucks

[@KlearChristal]

its true.

[@SatchmoSings]

In addition to being a great alto, Ms. Anderson was a woman of great poise and personal dignity; she never stooped to the level of the DAR, for example; God Bless Her.

[@EightAsterisk]

I know you wrote this over two years ago, but thank you for being an incredible educator.

[@Thisandthat8908]

The background makes it just so much more amazing. A stroke of genius for good reasons often repeated.

[@lavonnieenos-fikes228]

Wow what a beautiful voice, blessings to all the people who supported her and stood by her no matter the color of her skin we are all human xoxox Amen.

[@vanessachinguad8055]

momentos que marcan la historia, que día a día se transforman en hechos y todo por lo que se lucha, el esfuerzo que todos y cada uno, contribuye y se ve reflejado en el día a día.

[@Marzi_Mello]

oh dang I did not expect that. IM SHOOK

[@markstengel7680]

Hooray for the Roosevelt's & Harold Ickes 🎼🎵🎶🇺🇸👍

[@corkythompson2593]

It makes me proud to remember that my grandmother, along with Eleanor Roosevelt and many others, resigned from the DAR when Marian Anderson was not permitted to sing in Constitution Hall. Alas, bigotry is not yet dead.

[@h.calvert7443]

Mary Thompson Bravo for your grandmother! How proud you must be of that Daughter of Liberty! 🗽

[@julianajames7451]

Amazing history thank you gave me goose bumps.

[@g11-eunicelivelo98]

No matter what shape, color or size we are i hope everyone will notice everyone is equal

[@mongul305]

was listening to a cover on her on npr. an American treasure indeed

[@adriannalypeckyj2513]

Beautifuli woman and a brilliant/incredible singer!

[@parroyo5967]

I wish I was there!!!!

[@mikkoraasakka]

What a great artist Marian Anderson was! But did he perform alone? No, her regular pianist, indispensable for the singer's career was Kosti Vehanen, a Finnish cosmopolite, seen and heard also in this footage.

[@elizabethgardner2341]

simply sheer magnificence,,

[@chinatvnews]

Dear RoberHJacksonCenter, Good day to you. We are China TV news apartment from Taiwan. There is a program we're producing about the great things happened every "Today". Marian Anderson's story is one of the great stories. If it's possible, can we use peice of this film to introduce her with the story on 13 Aug this week? Sincerely waiting for your replying as soon as possible. my email: [e-mail]

[@memebox6895]

I am doing HW on this event, and I had to hear this.

[@gunterschymkiw5111]

Wonderful, wonderful woman.

[@wolfyluv]

Her voice is otherworldly, makes my mom's and mine hair stand on end, and honestly, if I hand't look at the TV, I wouldn't have known that she was African american, Anderson's voice is amazing!

[@listeningtoit]

Mrs, Roosevelt was a great lady! Ugly and constantly humiliated by her husband´s cheating on her she was brave, sensitive, intelligent and independent! Anderson´s voice was a bless from God.

[@nancymott6256]

Ugly? you're kidding of course

[@listeningtoit]

Nancy Mott You´re right. I was kidding. Eleanor Roosevelt was a beautiful woman. She looked so much like Marilyn Monroe. did you note that? Bah!

[@mcarlus]

Ugly & beautiful are perceptions... I think Eleanor Roosevelt beautiful... even her buck teeth were attractive.

[@prewartomatoes]

I got chills when she started singing... what a beautiful voice!

[@beckyann8389]

Yeah I know, absolutely mesmerizing

[@aliciabrillante408]

priceless video

[@georgemacdonald5282]

Just the most beautiful singer, one of my favourite songs that she sings is deep river.

[@parkerlion156]

Voice and a fur coat🖤❤️💛💚. I'm so glad you his was documented.

[@Gravydog316]

Just saw her on What's My Line on tv tonight :-)

[@QuintusAurelius]

What a voice, wow

[@gracelopez3684]

Amazing! 😲👍👏👏👏👏🌹

[@BiggestRetardInTheWorld]

She sound nice thank for posting the video

[@vincentdefeo5917]

Talk about people who made a difference well miss Anderson certainly did her share,and she did it at a time when African Americans weren't excepted ,but didn't stop miss Anderson from doing her share bless you miss Anderson, r,i,p,

[@sugarcookiecube]

Magnificent!

[@oldwhippersnapper3]

Whenever I hear this single minute in the whole big 20th century it makes me think that maybe we are worth saving. So stirring but only one minute.

[@princeharming8963]

An amazing talent.. an amazing lady.

[@PapaAV]

I'm here because I read a story about the lovely miss Marian Anderson in my English class

[@ussspirit4812]

Incredible talent - almost quashed by a halls of power that were decorated and guarded by bigoted gatekeepers! Thank God for Elanor's fortitude and MA's courage! What a talent, what a woman, what a human!

[@MamaGator]

This is what I come to KZbin to find

[@RobertoPhillips]

goosebumps...

[@altareggo]

WOW!! This is the first time i've ever heard this amazing songstress.... parts of my mind must have just lit up like a Christmas Tree when she opened her mouth and this positively THRILLING sound came out. Better than Tibaldi, in my humble opinion.

[@ConstantinosP]

Great & rare footage.

[@ITILII]

How appropriate that Marion Anderson and Dr. King should choose the memorial dedicated to the greatest American of all, Abraham Lincoln, to deliver their messages of what America SHOULD be all about: freedom, justice, opportunity, and human dignity

[@Silverrsprings]

Here in 2022. Know your history children

[@RODMANLEWIS]

You can't be proud of something over which you have no control. You can only be proud of your own achievements.If you say you are proud of someone else's achievements what you mean is that you are "admiring of them".