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Birth
Leontyne Price was born in Laurel, Mississippi -
Musical inspiration
At age 9, Price saw Marian Anderson at a concert in Jackson, Mississippi. Marian became Leontyne's inspiration and an "original kick-off " of her operatic career. -
Education
Price entered the sixth grade at Oak Park Vocational High School in the fall of 1937, firmly committed to a career in music. -
Accomplished musician
By age 11, Price was an accomplished pianist, playing for Sunday school, church services, and community offers. -
First soprano recital
Price preformed her first sorprano at her first recital at Oak Park Vocational High School. -
Julliard School of Music
Price enrolled at Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Her classmates were Andrew Frierson, Martha Flowers, Billie Lynn Daniels, Gloria Davy, and Mary Robbs, who all became Leontyne's lifetime friends. She also studied her vocal technique with Florence Page who was a former concert singer, and Price's teacher, adviser, coach and friend. -
"Porgy and Bess" by Gershwin
Price was invited by Max Steiner, film composer, to star in the role of Bess in Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." -
Together on stage
Leontyne Price and William Warfield [her husband] made international headlines by starring in "Porgy and Bess." -
First Black to appear in opera on televison
Price's appearance in the role of Flora Tosca on nationally televised production by NBC-TV opera Workshop was historic. She was the 1st BLACK to appear in opera on television. -
Operatic debut
Price made her American operatic debut with the San Francisco Opera as Madame Liodine in "Dialogues of the Carmelites." -
Aida at La Scala
Price emerged as THE Verdi soprano after singing Aida at La Scala. -
Price debuts at the Met
Price made historic debut as Leonora in Verdi's "Il Trovatore" at NY Metropolitan Opera. -
Farewell
Price bade farewell to the opera stage singing Aida to uproarious ovation.
