The Voice That Challenged a Nation, Russell Freedman
The Voice That Challenged a Nation, Russell Freedman
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The Voice That Challenged a Nation
A Newbery Honor Award Winner

Author: Russell Freedman

Narrator: Je Nie Fleming

Unabridged: 2 hr 4 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Clarion Books

Published: 02/01/2022

Synopsis

Newbery Honor Book * Sibert Medal WinnerCarefully researched and expertly told, this Newbery Honor and Sibert Medal-winning book is a moving account of the life of a talented and determined artist who left her mark on musical and social history. Through her story, Newbery Medal-winning author Russell Freedman illuminates the social and political climate of the day and an important chapter in American history. Notes, bibliography, discography, index."A voice like yours," celebrated conductor Arturo Toscanini told contralto Marian Anderson, "is heard once in a hundred years."This insightful account of the great African American vocalist considers her life and musical career in the context of the history of civil rights in this country. Drawing on Anderson's own writings and other contemporary accounts, Russell Freedman shows readers a singer pursuing her art despite the social constraints that limited the careers of black performers in the 1920s and 1930s.Though not a crusader or a spokesperson by nature, Marian Anderson came to stand for all black artists—and for all Americans of color—when, with the help of such prominent figures as Eleanor Roosevelt, she gave her landmark 1939 performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, which signaled the end of segregation in the arts.

About Russell Freedman

Russell Freedman (1929-2018) received the Newbery Medal for Lincoln: A Photobiography. He was the recipient of three Newbery Honors, a National Humanities Medal, the Sibert Medal, the Orbis Pictus Award, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and was selected to give the 2006 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture. Mr. Freedman lived in New York City and traveled widely to research his books.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Phil on May 20, 2018

Freedman does what he does well, but it never rose above "moderately interesting" for me. Marion Anderson was really good at singing. She was discriminated against. She sang at the Lincoln Memorial in protest. I knew this going in, and it's still what I know after reading. I learned some additional......more

Goodreads review by Nathalie on December 29, 2022

I had never heard of American contralto opera singer, Marian Anderson. It's a remarkable story of grit, perseverance and the kindness of people who helped her along the way -- particularly her fellow church goers who fundraised several times to help pay for lessons or school opportunities in Europe.......more

Goodreads review by Monique on July 03, 2017

So wow, its always the books you put off with a prejudicial sniff thinking you know what you will get when you open it that shocks you-- and admittedly shamefully that was me about this book sigh-as I am nearing the end of my book journal I thought this one would be dull, hard to get through and a c......more

Goodreads review by Natalie on October 20, 2017

I felt that this book was very inspirational and interesting! Marian Anderson was not only an incredible singer, she was also an activist that fought for equal rights of African-Americans. The book walks you through Marian's life, including her singing career, personal life, and life as an activist.......more

Goodreads review by Kara on January 31, 2018

Marian Anderson was a pioneer as well as a remarkably talented artist. I finished this book feeling inspired by her perseverance and an appreciation for her ability to challenge the status quo.......more

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