### Jessye Norman Biography
#### 1. Early Life
Jessye Mae Norman was born on September 15, 1945, in Augusta, Georgia, USA. She was one of five children in a close-knit family with deep spiritual roots; her parents, Silas Norman and Janie King-Norman, instilled in her a love of music and encouraged her artistic talents. From an early age, Norman showed a profound interest in music, particularly opera and gospel, which were integral parts of her upbringing in the local Baptist church.
She attended Charles T. Walker Elementary School, A.R. Johnson Junior High School, and Lucy Craft Laney High School in Augusta. Her exceptional talent was evident early on, leading her to participate in and win several school and local singing competitions. This paved the way for her to study music on a scholarship at Howard University in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1967. She furthered her studies at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and later at the University of Michigan, where she received a master's degree in music.
#### 2. Career
Jessye Norman's professional career began in 1969 when she made her operatic debut in Berlin, performing as Elisabeth in Richard Wagner's "Tannhäuser" at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Her unique, powerful soprano voice quickly captivated audiences, leading to performances on other prestigious international stages, including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Norman's repertoire was vast, encompassing works by Wagner, Strauss, Mahler, and contemporary composers. She was known not only for her operatic roles but also for her recitals and recordings, through which she explored and championed a diverse range of music, including spirituals, lieder, French chansons, and American classics.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Norman established herself as one of the leading sopranos in the classical music world. Her performances were characterized by a profound emotional intensity and a commanding presence, both vocally and physically.
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Jessye Norman's illustrious career earned her numerous accolades and awards. She was a five-time Grammy Award winner, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 1997, she received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for her contribution to American culture through the performing arts. Norman was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2009 by President Barack Obama.
Her influence extended beyond music. Norman was a passionate advocate for the arts and education, which led to the establishment of the Jessye Norman School of the Arts in Augusta, a tuition-free performing arts school for economically disadvantaged students.
#### 4. Personal Life
Jessye Norman was a private person when it came to her personal life, focusing the public’s attention more on her professional endeavors and philanthropic efforts. She never married nor had children. Her autobiography, "Stand Up Straight and Sing!", which was published in 2014, provides insights into her personal philosophy, her experiences in the world of opera, and her encounters with notable figures such as
Michelle-Obama,
Nelson-Mandela,
Elie-Wiesel,
Kathleen-Battle, and
James-Levine.
Jessye Norman passed away on September 30, 2019, from septic shock and multiple organ failure secondary to complications of a spinal cord injury she had suffered in 2015. Her legacy lives on through her recordings, her influence on young musicians, and her contributions to the cultural life of both the United States and the world.