I Never Walked Alone: The Autobiography Of An American Singer

The Story

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 Caballe, 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 Placido Domingo, 'a treasure in the world of opera.'