nylonmag reblogged
Camilla Williams (1919-2012) was a soprano who paved the way for African-American musicians in opera. She was the first African American to receive a contract from a major opera company in the United States, and the first to sing a major role with the Vienna State Opera.
She was born in a poor family, but went to study music education at Virginia State University. She received numerous awards for her performances, and made her debut with the New York City Opera in 1946. She was appointed Professor of Voice at Indiana University in 1977, the first African American in the position.
