Simon Estes: In His Own Voice [With CD]

Simon Estes: In His Own Voice is the dramatic autobiographical story of the internationally-acclaimed opera star and bass baritone, Simon Estes, and how faith and integrity helped him triumph over adversity and discrimination.

Telling his inspiring life story, from his family's history of slavery and struggle to him performing for presidents, popes, world leaders, and celebrities, Simon shares how his determination, positivity, and strong faith in God led him to center stage. Filled with photographs, memos, and detailed stories, get a first-hand account into the life and career of Simon Estes in this incredible autobiography.

Rising from humble beginnings in the small town of Centerville, Iowa, Simon Estes—grandson of a slave sold at auction for $500, son of a father who faithfully struggled to provide for his family—is an amazing African-American success story.

With family values founded upon a Godly heritage, character-building struggle and sacrifice, Simon Estes successfully faced each new hurdle and career challenge, culminating in triumph for this talented performing artist.

At age eight, Simon Estes began singing in church with his family. At the University of Iowa his mentor, Charles Kellis, introduced Simon to classical music. After a year at The Juilliard School of Music in New York City, Simon made his debut in 1965 with Deutsche Oper Berlin as Ramfis in Aida. 1966 brought third place in the first Tchaikovsky Vocal Competition and a White House appearance. Since then, Simon Estes has sung for United States presidents, kings and queens, and numerous other world leaders.

This internationally renowned bass-baritone is best known as King Philip in Don Carlo, Escamillo in Carmen, Wotan in Wagner's Ring Cycle, Amfortas in Parsifal, Porgy in Porgy and Bess, his four roles in The Tales of Hoffman, and the title roles of Boris Gudonov, the Flying Dutchman, and Macbeth. In demand as a soloist and recitalist, Simon Estes has performed with the world's most prominent orchestras and conductors in its finest opera houses and recital halls. He has recorded on more than ten labels.

Simon Estes shares both his voice and his determination to make a difference through his compassionate humanitarian efforts for the numerous youth who benefit from this vision for merit-based education and opportunity. He is truly an American hero with the voice, values and vision to inspire the next generation.

Share in the extraordinary applause from many admirers around the world who believe that—on and off the stage—Simon Estes deserves a standing ovation!

"Through struggle and sacrifice, Iowa-born Simon Estes determined to maintain a positive attitude and, with faith in God, turned adversity into achievement worthy of international acclaim. As the son of an Iowa farmer, I have also reaped the rewards of family values founded upon a Godly heritage and share in the applause for this extraordinarily gifted performing artist."
—Dr. Robert H. Schuller,
The Crystal Cathedral

Simon Estes is an internationally-acclaimed bass-baritone opera star.

Mary L. Swanson holds degrees from the University of Iowa and University of Northern Colorado. Her career includes 23 years with the Jefferson County School District both in the classroom and as a library media specialist. The mother of two grown children, she resides in Littleton, Colorado, where she is working on a collection of short stories.