Leontyne Price
10x10in
2025
Leontyne Price is one of the most celebrated opera singers in American history, known for her rich, soaring soprano and commanding stage presence. Rising to fame in the 1950s and ’60s, she broke barriers as one of the first Black singers to gain international acclaim in the world of opera. Her performances in roles such as Aida, Tosca, and Cleopatra captivated audiences and earned her critical praise and numerous awards, including 19 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Born in Laurel, Mississippi, in 1927, Price grew up in the segregated South, where access to classical music and formal training was limited for African Americans. Despite those challenges, she was nurtured by a supportive community and family who encouraged her talents. Mississippi’s deep musical traditions and her church upbringing laid the early foundation for her love of music. She later studied at Central State University and the Juilliard School, where her exceptional talent quickly drew national attention.
Throughout her career, Price remained a proud representative of her Mississippi roots. Her success helped pave the way for future generations of Black artists in classical music and beyond. She brought dignity, grace, and brilliance to the opera stage, and her legacy continues to inspire artists across genres. Leontyne Price not only transformed opera—she redefined what was possible for a Black woman from Mississippi on the world stage.