Hello everyone and welcome to Black History Month 2011. For those that were part of this last year, welcome back. For the new additions, welcome! You will be receiving a different fact everyday of February.
Before we dive into our first fun fact of the month I’d like to thank a few people that have helped this mini-project of mine develop nicely. First, Dr. Cecelia Robinson, who is a constant support to anyone who knows her; thank you for making me dream big! Second, Ms. Asheley Brown, who has made this stunning header you see above you; love ya girl! Last, Ms. Jessie Carney Smith, who has written an incredible book where I will be getting most of my information this year called “Black Firsts”.
That will be our theme this year, Black Firsts. You will learn about many different people, organizations, and events that were a first in the history of America. Thank you all for participating this year and I hope you enjoy the knowledge!
Today we are starting with an Iowa native. (Sorry, I gotta start with Iowa.) His name is Simon Estes and his contributions are enormous. Estes is a bass baritone and an opera singer who was born in Centerville, IA. He attended the University of Iowa and the Julliard School of Music. He also has an amphitheatre named after him in Des Moines, IA.
His first came in 1978 when he was the first black man to sing at the Bayreuth Festival when he appeared in the title role of Der Fliegende Hollander. In 1966 he also won the first International Tchaikovsky Vocal Competition in Moscow.
Carney Smith, Jessie. Black Firsts: Groundbreaking Events in African American History. New York: Fall River Press, 2009.
For an example of his amazing vocal talents check out the following video below:
For more information on Mr. Estes click on any of the following links:
Simon Estes-Wikipedia
Simon Estes-Wartburg
Simon Estes-Iowa State University
Simon Estes-Autobiography
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