I Never Walked Alone: The Autobiography of an American Singer

by Christopher Brooks and Shirley Verrett

Book Overview

An inspiring self-portrait of a world-renowned African American vocal artist This is a fascinating account of a gifted woman's coming of age and rise to success at a time when black classical... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471209910
• ISBN13: 9780471209911
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Wiley (TP)
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.7"

Customer Reviews

In Her Own Words: The Life Of An American Opera Singer

Shirley Verrett has written a profound, candid autobiography of her life and career as opera singer. Many singers write their own autobiographies and memoirs, among them include Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavoratti, Beverly Sills, Marilyn Horne and Joan Sutherland. Renee Fleming has also recently released her autobiography. Each singer provides us with an in-depth look at the elements that compose the opera business- from rehearsals, to facing reviews by critics, fandom, scandals, rumors, rivalries, recording sessions, the ups and downs of their careers and their personal lives. In the case of Shirley Verrett, we are treated to an uplifting and inspiring account of her life, and struggles. She's passionate, conversational, down-to-earth and very humble. I could never see her as the stereotypical diva raging and giving orders. Verrett was a classy lady, with artistic integrity, work ethics, morals and a lot of heart. From the first page to the last, we are in for a great ride and she lavishes the book with candid details and her inner thoughts on EVERYTHING. She opens up to us and we experience her life right along with her. Shirley Verrett was raised as a Seventh-Day-Adventist, a strict and religious Christian denomination which is very active in America. As such, she was raised with the idea that a career in opera, and for that matter any public career, was sinful and shallow. Though perhaps Verrett had issues with her parents, she seems to have reconciled and even made them proud, for indeed she broke barriers in the opera scene. Opera is not rock and roll. It's the highest of all the arts, since it combines music, drama, art and poetry all in one. During the early 60's, it was extremely hard for a black woman to get into opera. Nowadays, it's a field they are experts in- we have seen the success of Jessie Norman, Kathleen Battle and Denyce Graves. But in a time of racial segregation and the desperate struggles of the Civil Rights Movement, it was difficult for a black woman to make it as an opera singer, and moreover, make it to the top as a leading soprano. Verrett tells us about these times. Her idol was contralto Marian Anderson, the first black woman to break the barrier, and tells us of how she met her in person and received great advice. Leontyne Price was on the rise as a dramatiac soprano and so was Grace Bumbry, who like Verrett, started off as a mezzo-soprano. Like Bumbry, Verrett did not want to remain constricted to the mezzo-soprano repertoire, which is actually quite limited and harldy the "star" role in any opera- (Azucena in Verdi's Trovatore, Ulrica in Un Ballo, Cherubino in Mozart's Nozze Di Figaro, Amneris in Verdi's Aida, Princess Eboli in Don Carlo and of course, the inevitable Carmen). Verrett provides us with anecdotes about performing these roles. These roles Shirley Verrett mastered well, but singing the villain, or the vamp was not something she wanted to stick to. Other mezzo-sopranos, like Marilyn Horne (whom she ta

A charming journey into the world opera life.

I am harpist, not singer, but from my childhood I heard opera. We have at home an antique phonograph and I listened the musical ancestors from Mrs. Verrett, like Louise Hommer, Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Sigrid Onegin, Rosa Ponselle, Amelita Galli-Curci and others. When we received our first electric LP player I began to love the great Martina Arroyo and Shirley Verrett and I follow their carreers and glories continuosly.I flew last april to NY in order to greet them live in the luncheon of the Metropolitan opera wild. What an amazing experience! I talked with Mrs. Verrett few minutes in the lobby of the Waldorf Astoria hotel and I keep in my mind and in my soul this short but wonderful conversation, I feelt the dignity, peace and harmony in her character and personality. And now, after I buyed her autobiography, I can better understand why she is so a great person and singer and my knowdleges about opera are richer. Thank you Mrs. Verrett, thank you Mr. Brooks !I recommend the book as document and entretaining literature, and as gift idea, the presentation is so elegant!

"Truth and Art"

Shirley Verrett was one of the finest singers of her generation. Her recorded legacy gives proof to all the accolades that have been written about her. But what makes this book as rewarding as her singing is the common theme of "truth."I found the book an informative look at the glories and pains of a major operatic career. It's difficult for any of us to look back and face the truth, but Shirley Verrett does just that with great candor and even (at times) a sense of humor. I have been reading singers' biographies since my own student days. Many have been good (for various reasons), but this one touches a deep place for me. Her willingness to share about her family and her internal struggles seemed to hit home (I think it will with many). I loved and appreciated the fact that she made no excuses and took responsibility for her own miscalculations in her career and life. Don't get me wrong, She happily shares her many triumphs in the great opera houses and concert halls of the world as well.Lastly, you will feel the deep love of music in this book. Unlike other biographies where things can seem "put on", I can always feel a sense of love and devotion to a musical and personal sense of responsibility. I never felt that she was preachy or putting on a show about how artsy she is. This is a great book for young students: the work ethic and devotion to doing one's best is a main theme in every area of her life. We can all learn from this.

A Life Well Spent

Shirley Verrett's life experiences and career were enlightening on several fronts. I appreciated her candid discussion of her mistakes and triumphs. Not being an opera buff, I was able to relate to Verrett's story at a human level. The challenges she faced in juggling her active career with a relatively stable homelife was inspiring. I was also impressed with the directness with which she spoke about her failed first marriage. She gave up the material wealth to gain peace of mind and in doing so eventually met her soulmate to whom she has been married for forty years. I highly recommend this book for music lovers and non-music lovers alike. There are many life lessons to be gleaned here. This is more than the story of an American singer. It is a story that many women will be able to relate to at some level.

A Young Singer Inspired

This book is a must-have for any serious musician. As a young singer, I found Madame Verrett's book very delightful and inspiring. She tells her own story with such conviction, power, and truth. (At least, I am convinced!) Having read many singers' biographies, Verrett's memoir stands as one of the most interesting, compelling to date. Brutally honest, I like the moments when "she tells on myself" sharing some of her most personal conflicts, mistakes, and struggles as a diva. Filled with common sense, humor, and vocal wisdom which stems from over thirty years of singing in the world's leading opera houses, "I Never Walked Alone" should serve as a guidepost and source of renewed inspiration to young singers, coaches, teachers, and students alike.