Grace Ann Bumbry
by: Gracie Armstrong
Birth, Occupation, Birth Place, Years of age.
Grace Melzia Bumbry, an American opera singer, is considered one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, as well as a major soprano for many years. January 4, 1937 (age 79). St. Louis, MO.
Accomplishments
In 1962 Bumbry was invited to sing at a state dinner at the White House, where she met President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. She returned to the White House in 2009 to receive the Kennedy Center Honors for achievement in the performing arts, receiving her award alongside fellow honorees Bruce Springsteen, Mel Brooks, Dave Brubeck and Robert De Niro.
Bumbry has received a Grammy Award (in 1972), among many other honors.
Fun Facts
Bumbry was married to opera singer Erwin Andreas Jaeckel from 1963 through 1972; the marriage ended in divorce. She lives in Salzburg, Austria.
In recent years Bumbry has been active as a teacher and competition judge for young singers. In the 1990s she formed the Grace Bumbry Black Musical Heritage Ensemble, a touring ensemble of singers, dancers and musicians.
Character Trait And How They Inspire
She is very motivated to be in her time and with all the stuff she accomplished and received. She won a grammy while there was all this controversy going on in her time frame. She performed in very big places despite what other people thought.