Galilee Baptist Church Louisa

Elizabeth Greenfield: The “Black Swan” of Opera

In her day, people simply called her the ‘Black Swan.’ The nickname highlighted Elizabeth’s exceptional musical talent, as back then, it was common to nickname star musicians after swans, symbols of elegance and grace. The ‘black’ in her nickname referred to her race, and like the rare black swan, Elizabeth was seen as a unique and extraordinary figure in the world of opera.

Elizabeth was born into enslavement in Natchez, Mississippi, sometime around 1820. Like most enslaved people, her exact birthdate is unknown.

Not long after birth, she became free after her mistress relocated to Philadelphia and emancipated her slaves.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Elizabeth went to school and was exposed to music at a young age. Despite lacking formal training, she had a natural aptitude and learned to sing and play the guitar, piano, and harp. But it was her powerful voice that soon drew much attention, leaving audiences in awe. Her first public performance in 1851 was in Buffalo, New York

Touring around the U.S., Elizabeth experienced the challenges of pursuing a musical career in antebellum America. One of the biggest that she immediately faced was segregation in music venues. Being black limited where she could play. With her talent, following and determination, opportunities arose to play in places no black American had before.

Her growing acclaim set the stage for a groundbreaking moment in 1853, when Elizabeth made history by performing at the prestigious Metropolitan Hall in New York City, one of the largest venues in the country at the time. The Hall had a strict policy: “No colored persons can be admitted, as there is no part of the house appropriated for them.” Elizabeth held another performance shortly after in a different venue for a black audience.

Elizabeth embarked on a tour of England in 1853, where she made headlines for performing before Queen Victoria, becoming the first black American to sing at Buckingham Palace.

She spent her later years teaching music and advocating for greater opportunities for black Americans in the arts. She passed away on March 31, 1876, in Philadelphia.

Source: https://historicalsnaps.com/

 

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