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Camilla Williams Dead: African-American Opera Pioneer Dies at 92
- Posted on Jan 30th 2012 3:30PM by Theo Spielberg
AP Photo, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
The opera pioneer made her historic debut on May 15, 1946 with the New York City Opera performing the title role in Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly.'
In April 1954, she made history again when she became the first African-American to sing a major role with the Vienna State Opera. In 1963, the performed the 'Star-Spangled Banner' before an audience of 250,000 people at the White House before Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his momentous 'I Have a Dream' speech.
Williams also became the first African-American professor of voice at Illinois University in 1977. She held the position for 20 years before retiring in 1977. She is preceded in death by her husband Charles T. Beavers, a key attorney for Malcom X.
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Camilla Williams - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Camilla Williams, opera star, retired IU professor, died Sunday ...
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Williams was a magnificent soprano!
January 31 2012 at 7:07 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyYou can't hold a post for 20 years in 1977 and then retire in 1977. Please re-check all historical facts. "...professor of voice at Illinois University in 1977. She held the position for 20 years before retiring in 1977."
January 31 2012 at 6:04 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRest In Peace, Camilla. Sing with the Angel's.
January 31 2012 at 5:04 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyReast In Peace, Camilla. Sing with the Angel's.
January 31 2012 at 5:02 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhat an angelic voice. Rest in peace Ms. Williams.
January 31 2012 at 1:56 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe correct city is Bloomington, INDIANA, not Illinois. Likewise the university was INDIANA, not Illinois. The AP release had it correct.
January 31 2012 at 12:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe record is scratchy, but who cares? Her voice is exquisite and extraordinarily beautiful. I would have loved to have seen her perform.
January 31 2012 at 12:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRIP, we were lucky to have you with us for so long.
January 30 2012 at 11:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyRIP, we were lucky to have you with us for so long.
January 30 2012 at 11:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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