Grace Bumbry is an acclaimed African American opera singer who made history as one of the first Black artists to achieve international fame in the world of opera. Born in 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri, Bumbry began her career in the late 1950s and quickly gained recognition for her exceptional vocal talent and powerful stage presence.

Bumbry broke barriers in the opera world by becoming the first Black singer to perform a leading role at the Bayreuth Festival in Germany in 1961. She further solidified her place in history by being the first Black singer to portray Venus in Wagner's "Tannhäuser" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1965.

Throughout her career, Bumbry received numerous awards and accolades for her breathtaking performances, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. She is also known for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the opera world, inspiring future generations of Black opera singers to pursue their dreams.

Grace Bumbry's groundbreaking contributions to opera and her unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music and Black history.