Leontyne Price recalls being chosen to open The Metropolitan Opera House. | Great Performances l PBS

#BlackHistoryWithTunde Happy Birthday to one of the greatest opera singers of all time: Leontyne Price! • Born in Laurel, Mississippi, in 1927, Price rose to become one of the most celebrated sopranos of her generation, known for her incredible vocal range, emotional expressiveness, and powerful stage presence. • Price first gained national attention in the 1950s with her performances in the Metropolitan Opera's productions of Verdi's "Il Trovatore" and Puccini's "La Bohème." She went on to beco

It is this legend’s 99th birthday today- the one and only Leontyne Price. I still remember hearing her two decades ago as a Lindemann young artist when she was honored at the Opera News award, then in her 70s. And in her acceptance she broke into gorgeous song. Unafraid, stunning, inspiring, almost overwhelming- just as she is here. I think we can all afford to soak in a bit of her self assuredness and strength. She is a legend in so many ways and it’s especially meaningful to celebrate the 99th