today in Black history - feb 10

Prima Donna Assoluta Leontyne Price was born on February 10, 1927.

“I have been blessed with a voice that is, even to me, breathtakingly beautiful. That's total immodesty I do not apologize for that. I don't know of anything, not even myself, that I love more than my sound.” —Leontyne Price

If unapologetic greatness were a person. I am so here for this quote. In putting together today’s post, I also came across a dope website, Afrocentric Voices in Classical Music, and I am here for that too! Their biography of Leontyne Price is worth a read to learn more about this legendary Black opera singer.

The quote above comes from a fantastic Kennedy Center extended interview with honoree, Leontyne Price. You can watch the whole thing here:

This NPR article from 2017 in honor of her 90th birthday is an excellent read as well. You can also check out this NEA Opera Honors interview to hear more about Leontyne Price in her own words. Happy 98th birthday, Leontyne Price!