I Never Walked Alone: The Autobiography of an American Singer

An inspiring self-portrait of a world-renowned African American vocal artist
This is a fascinating account of a gifted woman's coming of age and rise to success at a time when black classical musicians faced barriers at every turn. Shirley Verrett possessed a talent and ambition so dazzling she could not be denied?and she became one of the most celebrated artists of her time. I Never Walked Alone draws the reader into the world of this graceful, fiery artist, dramatically telling the story of her childhood and her brilliant international career. The book is filled with behind-the-scenes tales of this diva?s great performances, roles, and collaborations, offering insight into her stormy personal relationships as well as her private struggles and critical decisions. Featuring forewords and afterwords by such figures as Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Zubhin Mehta, and Claudio Abbado, this richly detailed book paints a vivid picture of a magnificent survivor and an indelible artist known around the world as the black Maria Callas.
Shirley Verrett (Ann Arbor, MI, and New York, NY) is currently Professor of Voice at the University of Michigan School of Music.
Christopher Brooks is a biographer and award-winning musicologist.

What does it take to become one of opera’s most acclaimed and beloved stars? Shirley Verrett knows. Gifted with a divine voice and stunning physical beauty, she has electrified audiences as Carmen, Aida, Tosca, Desdemona, Norma, and a galaxy of other heroines in a brilliant career that spanned more than four decades. But the road to fame is never easy–even when you have exceptional gifts. Verrett reinvented herself time and time again. Now, in her own words, we can trace her path. With unblinking candor, I Never Walked Alone exposes layer by layer a multifaceted life.

Born in segregated New Orleans, Verrett came of age under the strict watch of devout, Seventh-Day Adventist parents. Her father, astounded by her talent, determined she would follow in the footsteps of legendary recitalists Marian Anderson and Dorothy Maynor. Nineteen years later, Shirley out-performed more than fifty other aspiring singers to win the coveted Marian Anderson award.

Her career soared, seemingly effortlessly. Delving behind the scenes, Verrett takes us into her intimate world. We are eager observers year by year as she hones her craft, the critics rave, and popular demand mounts. With each groundbreaking performance, she adds to her laurels. Despite racial prejudice, moral dilemmas, professional rivalries, devastating illness, and controversy, Verrett survives, triumphs on her own terms, and goes on to make history.

Always forthright, Verrett shares her ups and downs freely with us, along with indelible images of other major twentieth-century singers–from her inspiration Maria Callas to contemporaries such as Montserrat Caballé, Leontyne Price, Grace Bumbry, Jon Vickers, and many others. The result is a virtual master class in the art of opera performance, as well as the art of living fearlessly.

Cherished as a wife, mother, humanitarian, teacher, and warm friend, Verrett moved easily between the stage and an abundant life of authentic spiritual depth. Here is the proof–the autobiography of a radiant little girl who grew up with wit, fiery will, and unmistakable grace to become, in the words of Plácido Domingo, "a treasure in the world of opera."