Camilla Ella Williams (born October 18, 1919) is an American operatic soprano and the first African American to receive a contract with a major American opera company.
Born in Danville, Virginia, Williams trained at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). After receiving a B.S. there, she studied privately in New York. She earned a Marian Anderson Fellowship in 1943 and again in 1944. She continued to receive honors in vocal compe...
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Camilla Ella Williams (born October 18, 1919) is an American operatic soprano and the first African American to receive a contract with a major American opera company.
Born in Danville, Virginia, Williams trained at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University). After receiving a B.S. there, she studied privately in New York. She earned a Marian Anderson Fellowship in 1943 and again in 1944. She continued to receive honors in vocal competitions.
Beginning in 1944, Williams then performed on the coast-to-coast RCA radio network. In May 1946 she debuted with the New York City Opera singing the title role in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. Williams sang throughout the United States and Europe with various other opera companies. In April 1954 she became the first African American to sing a major role with the Vienna State Opera when she performed her signature part of Cio-Cio-San. In 1963, she sang the "Star Spangled Banner" at the White House and before 250,000 people in Washington...
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