Summary: Ruby Elzy was one of George Gershwin's hand picked leads for the original production of Porgy and Bess. Hailing from the small Mississippi town of Pontotoc, Ruby Elzy's voice carried her to Ohio State University, Julliard, Broadway, and concerts coast to coast. Tragically, her life would end before she took the next step to the Metropolitan Opera stage in Aida. This program is based upon the book Black Diva of the Thirties - The Life of Ruby Elzy, by David E. Weaver, published by the University Press of Mississippi. Archival recordings for this program were also provided by Mr. Weaver.
Producer/Host Boyce Lancaster threads two musical biographies in "Ruby Elzy: Black Diva of the Thirties." These two musician's lives, coincidentally, were themselves entwined. Soprano Ruby Elzy was George Gershwin's choice to portray the role of Serena in the original production of Porgy and Bess.
With the George Gershwin and Porgy and Bess phenomenon as a backdrop, the program follows Elzy's rise from small town Jim Crow living in Mississippi in her quest and "deep desire to become a singer," and to one day sing in a “big hall.”
This is a wonderful story of personal determination, lovely heart and soul, superb musicianship and survival amongst the most difficult of all odds. It's well told and mixed with electrifying historical musical performances.
Here's your Black History Month programming, but it would be a sin to limit it to only one month of the year. "Ruby Elzy: Black Diva of the Thirties" is also friendly to formats beyond classical.
Comments for Ruby Elzy: Black Diva of the Thirties
Produced by Boyce Lancaster
Other pieces by Boyce Lancaster
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David Srebnik
Posted on February 07, 2009 at 09:53 AM | Permalink
Excellent Option for Black History Month Programming and Beyond BHM
Producer/Host Boyce Lancaster threads two musical biographies in "Ruby Elzy: Black Diva of the Thirties." These two musician's lives, coincidentally, were themselves entwined. Soprano Ruby Elzy was George Gershwin's choice to portray the role of Serena in the original production of Porgy and Bess.
With the George Gershwin and Porgy and Bess phenomenon as a backdrop, the program follows Elzy's rise from small town Jim Crow living in Mississippi in her quest and "deep desire to become a singer," and to one day sing in a “big hall.”
This is a wonderful story of personal determination, lovely heart and soul, superb musicianship and survival amongst the most difficult of all odds. It's well told and mixed with electrifying historical musical performances.
Here's your Black History Month programming, but it would be a sin to limit it to only one month of the year. "Ruby Elzy: Black Diva of the Thirties" is also friendly to formats beyond classical.