Leontyne Price is a renowned African American opera singer who made history as one of the first African American prima donnas to achieve international fame in the world of opera. Born on February 10, 1927, in Laurel, Mississippi, Price displayed exceptional talent from a young age and studied music at the Juilliard School in New York City.

Price made her operatic debut in 1952 at the San Francisco Opera, and her breakthrough role came in 1955 when she portrayed the lead role of Cio-Cio-San in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Throughout her career, Price performed in many leading opera houses around the world and collaborated with some of the most renowned conductors and singers of her time.

In addition to her stunning vocal abilities, Price also broke barriers as an African American opera singer in a predominantly white industry during the height of the civil rights movement. She faced discrimination and challenges based on her race, but she persevered and became a trailblazer for future generations of Black opera singers.

Leontyne Price's contributions to the world of opera and her impact on breaking racial barriers in classical music have left a lasting legacy in Black history. She is not only celebrated for her remarkable talent but also for her courage and determination in overcoming adversity and paving the way for diversity and inclusion in the opera world.