Jessye Norman (born September 15, 1945) is an American soprano opera singer. Norman is one of the most admired contemporary opera singers and recitalists. A true dramatic soprano with a majestic stage presence, Norman is associated in particular with the roles of Aïda, Cassandra, Alceste, and Leonora in Fidelio.

Norman was born in Augusta, Georgia in a family of amateur musicians; her mother a pianist, her father a singer in a local choir. She attended Charles T. Walker Elementary School, A.R. Johnson Junior High School, and Lucy C. Laney Senior High School, all in downtown Augusta.

Norman received a scholarship to Howard University, graduating in 1967 with a degree in music. The following year, she won the ARD International Music Competition in Munich. She made her operatic debut in 1969 as Elisabeth in Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser at the Berlin State Opera, and in subsequent years performed with various German and Italian opera companies. She returned to the US to make her professional concert debut at Lincoln Center in 1973.

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NYT > Music

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