Marian Anderson was a renowned classical music artist who was born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of three daughters born to John Berkley Anderson and Annie Delilah Rucker. Her father worked as a coal and ice dealer, while her mother was a former schoolteacher. Anderson's parents were both devout Christians, and they instilled in her a strong sense of faith and a love for music. Anderson's musical talent was evident from a young age. She began singing in the choir at her local church when she was just six years old. Her family could not afford to pay for formal music lessons, so Anderson taught herself to read music and practiced singing on her own. She also listened to recordings of famous opera singers and studied their techniques. In 1912, Anderson entered a singing competition sponsored by the New York Philharmonic Society. She won first prize, which included a scholarship to study music at the Philadelphia Music Academy. Anderson continued to study music and perform in local concerts throughout her teenage years. In 1925, Anderson made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She received critical acclaim for her performance, and her career began to take off. Anderson went on to perform in concerts throughout the United States and Europe, becoming one of the most celebrated classical music artists of her time. One of Anderson's most famous performances took place in 1939. She had been invited to perform at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. However, the DAR refused to allow Anderson to perform because she was African American. The incident sparked a national controversy, and many people, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, spoke out in support of Anderson. As a result, Anderson was invited to perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday in front of a crowd of 75,000 people. The performance was broadcast on national radio and became one of the most iconic moments in American music history. Anderson continued to perform throughout the 1940s and 1950s, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for African Americans and women. She received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music and civil rights. In 1955, Anderson became the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. She retired from performing in 1965 but continued to be an advocate for music education and civil rights until her death in 1993. Throughout her career, Anderson broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of classical music artists. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to pursue their dreams and fight for equality and justice.

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