Grace Bumbry is a trailblazing African American opera singer who achieved international acclaim for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and incredible vocal range. Born on January 4, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, Bumbry made history as the first Black singer to perform the title role in Richard Wagner's opera "Tristan und Isolde" at the Bayreuth Festival in Germany in 1961. This historic performance paved the way for her to break barriers in the world of opera and become one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her time.

Throughout her career, Grace Bumbry performed at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, and the Royal Opera House in London. She was known for her versatile voice, tackling a wide range of roles from classical opera to contemporary works.

Bumbry's impact on the opera world goes beyond her vocal talent. As a Black artist in a predominantly white art form, she faced discrimination and challenges but persevered, inspiring a new generation of diverse opera singers to follow in her footsteps. Grace Bumbry's contributions to opera and her advocacy for racial equality in the arts have solidified her legacy as a pioneering figure in Black history.