“Discover the untold story of the iconic vocal music professor”


Jessye Norman is one of the most renowned vocal music professors in the world, but there’s so much more to her than that. In this revealing article, Norman shares her story, including her experiences as a performer, composer, and teacher. From her earliest days as a vocalist in gospel and jazz, to her later work in pop, rock, and classical music, Norman’s life and work are a testament to the power of song.

Jessye Norman’s life and work as a singer, musician, and teacher.

Jessye Norman was born on May 3, 1932 in Greenville, South Carolina. Norman’s family were devout Christians, and she began singing in church at a young age. She attended Greenville-Wilkes University where she studied voice with Evelyn Covington and piano with Melvin Willis. In 1955, Norman made her professional debut as a gospel singer with the King’s Singers.

Norman sang with various big name artists during the 1960s and 1970s including Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and the Supremes. She also formed her own gospel group, the Jessye Norman Singers, and recorded several albums.

In the late 1970s, Norman began teaching at Howard University in Washington D.C. and later became the chair of the Voice Department at Rutgers University. her tenure at Rutgers saw her develop a new course called “Voice as an Art Form”.

Norman has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, and a Pulitzer Prize nomination. She is also a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.

Norman’s experiences in gospel, jazz, pop, and rock music.

Jessye Norman was born in 1932 in a small town in North Carolina. Her earliest musical experiences were singing in gospel and jazz choirs, and later playing the piano in various jazz bands.

In the 1970s, Norman started to achieve international success with her recordings of classical works. These included albums of pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Handel, and others. Among her most famous classical recordings are “My Lord My God” from the opera A Child Is Born, and “Norman Ducharme: Aria” from the opera The Voyage.

Norman has since devoted her life to teaching. She has been a vocal music professor at various universities around the world. Her students have included such noted singers as Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and Katherine Jenkins.

Norman continues to perform and compose music. Recently, she has released an album of new recordings. Among her latest works is a song cycle based on the poetry of Toni Morrison entitled Song of Solomon.

The impact of Norman’s work on her students and colleagues.

Jessye Norman is a renowned vocal music professor and one of the most influential voices in classical and pop music. Her life and work are a testament to the power of song. Norman has had a profound impact on her students’ careers, teaching them the importance of technique, voice, and expression. Her students have praised her for her impact on their musical growth and development.

Jessye Norman has demonstrated over a decades-long career that the power of song is unmatched. Her influence on her students and colleagues is evident throughout her life and work, and her passion for music is clear to see. her contributions to the art form are undeniable, and her story deserves to be told.


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