Jessye Norman: "Stand Up Straight and Sing!"

Opera legend Jessye Norman comes to Chicago to share her extraordinary journey from a childhood in segregated Augusta, Georgia, to star of the world's grandest stages. Her memoir "Stand Up Straight and Sing!" deepens our appreciation for her stunning musical gifts. Get up close and personal with one of history's greatest singers.
Opera dramaturg Colin Ure joins Ms. Norman in conversation.
This program is presented in partnership with Lyric Unlimited-an initiative of Lyric Opera of Chicago-and the School of the Art Institute.
This program was recorded on May 19, 2014 as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival's Spring 2014 season: chf.to/CHF2014Spring

Пікірлер: 189

  • @LakeAriel-tc6be
    @LakeAriel-tc6be4 жыл бұрын

    You could listen to her for hours not just because the stories she tell us but also her voice, her body language, her natural grace and elegance. She is fascinating as an artist and a human being.

  • @piroschka6
    @piroschka64 жыл бұрын

    One of the most beautiful faces and voice in the world of opera Rest in peace and thank you jessye Norman

  • @josephokellookello2046
    @josephokellookello20464 жыл бұрын

    She's got so much grace and character! She'll be dearly missed 💔

  • @kirky3051
    @kirky30517 жыл бұрын

    she has that peaceful aura.

  • @francoisbessing

    @francoisbessing

    6 жыл бұрын

    YES _ I love it. So go with the flow but full of power.

  • @francoisbessing
    @francoisbessing6 жыл бұрын

    LOVE this woman. Rich in culture, history, verbiage, spirit. Such a monument and the best of the American people.

  • @e.conboy4286

    @e.conboy4286

    3 жыл бұрын

    François Bessing: Isn’t she though? Such a lovely personality to go with her extraordinary talents. OMG! GONE TOO SOON.

  • @JudithHunt-kj5hl

    @JudithHunt-kj5hl

    2 ай бұрын

  • @Timewriter24
    @Timewriter244 жыл бұрын

    Elegant and classy, Jessye, rest in peace 🌹

  • @delanob2258
    @delanob22584 жыл бұрын

    Jessye Norman one of the truly great artistes. RIP

  • @lisamcdonald4215
    @lisamcdonald42154 жыл бұрын

    I can listen to this lady all day. Rest in peace . Gone too soon

  • @richardmcneil6538
    @richardmcneil65384 жыл бұрын

    RIP MS Norman You have enriched my life! Xxxx❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @faithnelson5383
    @faithnelson53832 жыл бұрын

    Spectacular voice. Wise woman too ... "people without tension and revenge ... they are so full of love."

  • @janaesimmons4672
    @janaesimmons46724 жыл бұрын

    Yes, Ms Jessye voice is one of the most beautiful voices in the world.

  • @31Alden
    @31Alden6 ай бұрын

    The essence of beauty, grace, a natural elegance, intelligence, eloquence, and shining humanity. The very thing this troubled and turbulent world needs more of. What WILL we do without the magnificence of Jessye Norman? Education and The Arts versus Politicians and War.

  • @kendrawhittaker4855
    @kendrawhittaker48557 жыл бұрын

    I adore her voice in both speaking and opera. I would love her as an audio book reader, her voice is so calming.

  • @davidjeromejohnson5410
    @davidjeromejohnson54104 жыл бұрын

    I just luxuriate in the spirit of this wonderful artist and noble woman! Her musical legacy will forever keep me in gratitude and joyfully energized😢 RIP “ My Main Muse” Jessye Norman😢

  • @MaestroFriedrich
    @MaestroFriedrich9 жыл бұрын

    Every singer should hear this.

  • @user-pm2vs6ok3x

    @user-pm2vs6ok3x

    2 жыл бұрын

    Totally agree with her personal , feminine, human being attitude to life. She loves people, she ready to give them her sunny energy.

  • @operasingersstorehouse5311

    @operasingersstorehouse5311

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’d add: every human being should listen to this. She’s giving a lesson on how to “human”. She really is a role model as a person, as a professional, as a singer, as a human being.

  • @serious7179
    @serious71796 жыл бұрын

    To hear this legend speak so eloquently, intelligently, and not just as a "talking musician head" is absolutely heavenly. I wish I could have attended this event in person!

  • @phyllisjordanhenderson3123
    @phyllisjordanhenderson31234 жыл бұрын

    Can hardly believe I spent 4 hours getting to know more about Miss Norman's life. I am 9 years younger. Didn't know her as well as I knew her parents, Deacon Norman , Mrs. Janie and her younger younger sister, Elaine who played piano for our choirs at The Mt Calvary Bapt Church in Augusta, Ga. Miss Norman would visit Mt. Calvary upon her visits to Augusta. I don't recall her ever singing upon her visits. This day, I have listened to her life's stories through interviews and her beautiful talent through songs. I am overwhelmed! I couldn't shut my phone down. This beautiful soul that came out of Augusta, Ga, is beyond description. I am so grateful that my daughter, Jor'danan, asked me if I wanted to attend her Homegoing Services. We got the chance to witness incredible, gifted, talented people that were a part of her life! They spoke very highly of her. With such beauty, talent, inspiration and the innumerable blessings that she embarked upon her family, friends and this world, I am indeed very saddened by her passing. Only God knows why He desired to call her forth! My condolences to The Norman and The Sturkey families and to all that loved her so much!! Now I feel that I grew up in the midst of her!!

  • @recitalvoicepiano2356
    @recitalvoicepiano23567 жыл бұрын

    "It is rather ridiculous... to be the only african american to sing major roles" I agree with you. Any soul any beautiful soul should be heard.

  • @michaeldoyle6702
    @michaeldoyle67024 жыл бұрын

    A revealing "through away"comment by Norman at 35:35. She recognizes that she has been "lucky" in life, but no more so than anyone else, she says. The description of Norman as a diva is so misplaced. She strikes me as very humble and amazed by life, and not just her seemingly good fortune.

  • @soundwallchester8490
    @soundwallchester84909 жыл бұрын

    She is superb - and isn't it wonderful that she is advocating the arts in schools, stating that their worth is incalculable, ranking with core subjects.

  • @stephaniehammett5050
    @stephaniehammett50506 жыл бұрын

    She speaks in such an incredibly moving way. So beautiful

  • @caroltanksley3436
    @caroltanksley34367 жыл бұрын

    I attended the University of Michigan School of Music with Jessye and studied with the same voice teacher. She is as lovely and down to earth as she appears in this interview! Wonderful sense of humor and thoughtful of others.

  • @e.conboy4286

    @e.conboy4286

    3 жыл бұрын

    Carol Tanksley: How fortunate for both of you.

  • @joycie014
    @joycie0144 жыл бұрын

    So much intelligence, grace and talent, but with a wicked sense of humour. May your beautiful soul rest in peace. ❤️

  • @ptseti
    @ptseti4 жыл бұрын

    LOVE this woman. RIP Jessye you served well. You sang beautifully and you lived well. Thank you Thank you Thank you..RIP Sweet Queen. DIVA of the Opera!

  • @40amule16
    @40amule165 жыл бұрын

    If there was ever a definitive example of queen like, it is Ms. Norman simply regal......😊

  • @colsomemiah6095
    @colsomemiah60958 жыл бұрын

    Nobody in my era has a voice tha comes from cavernous depths, rich, full Bless you Ms/ Norman

  • @m.antoniosims342
    @m.antoniosims3424 жыл бұрын

    Ms Jessye Norman was a class act. Her sophistication , her grace and her presence was unmatched!

  • @CoachBrent
    @CoachBrent9 жыл бұрын

    I love her composure and warmth that she emits with ease. She is very candid. Must look for this book. Interesting life story.

  • @francoisbessing

    @francoisbessing

    6 жыл бұрын

    YES. I'm going need to purchase her book.

  • @lyeelamb71

    @lyeelamb71

    5 жыл бұрын

    I ADDITIONALLY AM PUTTING MS NORMAN'S MEMIOR ON MY MUST READ LIST!! I ALREADY LOVE HER AS A PERFORMER, NOW I LOVE HER AS AN IDOL!! 🤔😁 SHE TALKS OF MS ANDERSON AS ONE SHE ADMIRES!! I AGREE SHE IS A PHENOMENAL WOMAN!! YET MS JESSIE IS NOT LACKING ONE OF OUR GREATS!!!! 🤗😃 WOW!!! 🎉

  • @colsomemiah6095
    @colsomemiah60958 жыл бұрын

    full volume, voice rich and deep coming from somewhere below subterranian, Ms. Norman redefines operatic singers. Glorious presence and voicel

  • @pianoman9685

    @pianoman9685

    7 жыл бұрын

    Jessye Norman is simply incredible, we love and cherish her.

  • @azhybrid5271
    @azhybrid52718 жыл бұрын

    Oh Ms. Jessye Norman! Beautiful, Beautiful,Beautiful! I could listen to you speak and sing all day! Regal and simply majestic!

  • @rachelleoliver-ray2775
    @rachelleoliver-ray27755 жыл бұрын

    A beautiful, stately, woman whose voice brings me peace♥️

  • @walterbishop3668
    @walterbishop36688 жыл бұрын

    My gosh.her voice is so amazing

  • @susanvioletlindsay901
    @susanvioletlindsay9014 жыл бұрын

    What a gift - this collection of glimpses of this remarkable woman and her talent. Thank you.

  • @shagurl212
    @shagurl21210 жыл бұрын

    So elegant, so humble, so classy, and so well accomplished. It's amazing.

  • @musicandme1982
    @musicandme19824 жыл бұрын

    Isn't she lovely isn't she wonderful look what God has done Jesseye Norman enough said Rest in love and Spirit QUEEN

  • @annenewman-ross2427
    @annenewman-ross24279 жыл бұрын

    She is lovely and I love her voice!

  • @sumar26
    @sumar267 жыл бұрын

    a wonderful singer, a wonderful lady!!!

  • @lindasmilesrfree6067
    @lindasmilesrfree60677 жыл бұрын

    I am truly inspired by this wonderful woman; she is exquisite.

  • @bernardcleary4330
    @bernardcleary43304 жыл бұрын

    What a fascinating and entertaining interview with a national treasure. RIP, Miss Norman.

  • @amade54
    @amade543 жыл бұрын

    Having been honored by her friendship for 30 years and having cooperated with her on a professional basis, I read this book and it is not JUST an autobiography, BUT it is really a vivid picture of what a black girl born in Augusta, Georgia in 1945 experienced on her proper skin . I am trying to translate it into Italian and she was really happy that she would have her bio translated into Italian. To all english reading people, buy it and read it. It is so well written and you seem really living alongside her during her entire life. Strongly recommended. Black Lives Matters and Jessye Norman was and is an astonishing testimonial of it.

  • @michelle6062
    @michelle6062 Жыл бұрын

    Wish I could have seen her in person. What a beautiful voice.

  • @junereid8751
    @junereid87514 жыл бұрын

    R.I.P ...THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR TALENTS.

  • @francoisbessing
    @francoisbessing4 жыл бұрын

    The way she says "remembered"....truly RIP. A Queen has gone to be with the King.

  • @stevenfromer3806
    @stevenfromer38065 жыл бұрын

    I love her. I love her voice and interpretation of song. I love her diction. Lovely human being.

  • @MrBluedanube
    @MrBluedanube8 жыл бұрын

    I read her memoir last year. Absolutely amazing, I would totally recommend it. You get a lot more in scope detail you don't get from the interviews.

  • @anniejones3136
    @anniejones31364 жыл бұрын

    Oh Jessye, you are beautiful inside and out. I am so proud and grateful to call you my sister from home, our town Augusta! Sleep peacefully my sister and I know you’ll be ready for your heavenly performance!

  • @joaninha-v9q
    @joaninha-v9q Жыл бұрын

    My favorite singer opera. RIP God bless you. ❤❤❤

  • @RLSchanneltwo
    @RLSchanneltwo4 жыл бұрын

    This one really got me . . . I'm devastated. RIP my beautiful Jessye . . .

  • @dotmurphy7279
    @dotmurphy7279 Жыл бұрын

    I just love her and love her voice. I miss her, she's like a favorite cousin.

  • @kimberry2010
    @kimberry201010 жыл бұрын

    I love you, Jessye! Love the book.

  • @roofdweller
    @roofdweller4 жыл бұрын

    God's speed, Ms. Norman. God's speed. And thank you thank you thank you for all you have given and will still bestow upon us in your recordings.

  • @hallu6666
    @hallu66668 ай бұрын

    What a wonderful human being, so suave, so full of grace, so eloquent.

  • @bfayehenry2867
    @bfayehenry28676 жыл бұрын

    She's so Majestic and Regal. Angela Bassett looks like a younger version of her :)

  • @stevengeldmacher405
    @stevengeldmacher4052 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this interview. I knew Miss Norman as a superb Artist. Now I realize that she is a beautiful Person. I have to read her autobiography.

  • @brianchambers1508
    @brianchambers15084 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful and articulate artist with a voice of pure gold thank you for the pleasure you have so freely given us may you rest in peace for All eternity

  • @christophsauer2857
    @christophsauer28572 ай бұрын

    many students should watch this conversation. So much to learn about the art of singing as well as about humility and humanity. also the interviewer did a great job, not only for his questions but also for not interrupting Ms. Norman. Thanks so much for sharing.

  • @NoveLD
    @NoveLD9 жыл бұрын

    Very well spoken and inspirational! Thank you Jessye.

  • @hs7921
    @hs79218 жыл бұрын

    Good interview. Here is a talented and educated woman. Groundbreaking stuff to have sung Wagner.

  • @higharch
    @higharch8 жыл бұрын

    So brilliant and clear about what she has been called to do.

  • @josephel4292
    @josephel42924 жыл бұрын

    Dignity, grace , and beauty ❤❤ Rest in peace Ms Norman

  • @madamdorothy4861
    @madamdorothy48617 жыл бұрын

    Ah! Jessye Norman! Your life and times accentuated by music and song! BRAVA!

  • @lucapizzirani5233
    @lucapizzirani52334 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful woman, great person! RIP

  • @rr7firefly
    @rr7firefly4 жыл бұрын

    Jessye Norman inhabited a life that was the definition of exceptional. At the time that she first left for Germany I have to wonder what she might have imagined for the rest of her life. For truly, if she had not gone to Europe to fulfill her ambitions would she have been able to realize them in the U.S.? I know very well the night when she sang the Marseillaise for the French Bicentennial commemoration. That entire evening, with Norman wrapped in the French Tricolor billowing all around her, moving majestically from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe -- it defies the basic misperception most Americans have concerning what race endows any of us with. Or more pointedly the inherent limitations of race. Thank you, Berlin, for nurturing this great lady.

  • @dqlassit
    @dqlassit9 жыл бұрын

    I'm shaking I'm so excited to watch this. It is my wish to be as good as her...#wishfulthinking

  • @hildegerdhaugen7864

    @hildegerdhaugen7864

    9 жыл бұрын

    Well, nobody will be since she was the true heir of Kirsten Flagstad. That doesn't mean the rest of us can't be good singers.

  • @Tipsis1

    @Tipsis1

    4 жыл бұрын

    You will be brilliant in your own right because you are you!

  • @e.conboy4286

    @e.conboy4286

    3 жыл бұрын

    dqlassit:: Just ask yourself, ‘What would Jessye do?’ You’ll be great!

  • @margaretguillory
    @margaretguillory10 жыл бұрын

    I love this book. Thank you Ms. Norman.

  • @jasmineskydancer
    @jasmineskydancer10 жыл бұрын

    Bravo Ms. Norman - I will look to purchase the book soon. My Mom attended Lucy C. Laney HS in Augusta and knew of you. She said everyone there who heard you sang in the school choir knew you were destined for greatness then :)

  • @stephanebelizaire3627
    @stephanebelizaire36274 жыл бұрын

    Great and Beloved Forever !

  • @terrywestbrook-lienert2296
    @terrywestbrook-lienert22964 жыл бұрын

    Requiascet In Pace! I loved your voice. I still do. 🎤🎶🎙🎼🎹

  • @reellife8707
    @reellife87074 жыл бұрын

    How would you like to be remembered? 54:13 Rest in Peace Legendary Jessye Norman (gone WAY too soon). Sept 15, 1945 - Sept 30, 2019.

  • @personabell07
    @personabell078 жыл бұрын

    I LOVEEE HER!

  • @maeshelll
    @maeshelll9 жыл бұрын

    wow! It is so refreshing to witness such amazing people such as Jessye Norman. Thank you for sharing.

  • @philipsmith3084
    @philipsmith30843 жыл бұрын

    Just received the book today, and cannot wait to read it.

  • @nashantastanley3261
    @nashantastanley32618 жыл бұрын

    Omg...I just love Ms. Norman!!

  • @direitoelegal9760
    @direitoelegal97608 жыл бұрын

    what a beautiful and inspiring lady! Thank you!

  • @janetjenkins1797
    @janetjenkins17973 жыл бұрын

    One of the most beautiful voices i have ever heard. God bless you Jessye xxxxxxxxx

  • @FunKeys4KidsMusicLessons
    @FunKeys4KidsMusicLessons7 жыл бұрын

    Stunning gorgeous artist.

  • @menukjau
    @menukjau10 жыл бұрын

    What a fantastic interview with a divine lady. Bravo Ms Norman!

  • @EA-ck4so
    @EA-ck4so4 жыл бұрын

    She is amazingly elegant and classy.

  • @mcrettable
    @mcrettable4 жыл бұрын

    The Queen.

  • @valeriesmith5780
    @valeriesmith57804 жыл бұрын

    This feels like a companion piece to her memoir which I just got from the library; great timing.

  • @ritabrito5040
    @ritabrito50404 жыл бұрын

    Such a great loss. Amazing talent.

  • @craigsorrells9427
    @craigsorrells94276 жыл бұрын

    Just an amazing person!!!!

  • @simongovey9576
    @simongovey95767 жыл бұрын

    Amazing person and singer.

  • @misscameroon8062
    @misscameroon80624 жыл бұрын

    Brava Miss Norman you spoke the real truth: we all need art education anywhere we can get it!

  • @TruthSerum101
    @TruthSerum1017 жыл бұрын

    Divine.

  • @germanquintero10121946
    @germanquintero101219467 жыл бұрын

    MARAVILLOSA VOZ

  • @janaesimmons4672
    @janaesimmons46724 жыл бұрын

    This Aura of peace/love I experienced in your presence in our hometown.

  • @Carlos-qz7ul
    @Carlos-qz7ul5 ай бұрын

    Priceless 💎 !

  • @happygucci5094
    @happygucci50943 ай бұрын

    Queen- this is what a Free Self Actualized Black Woman sounds like - IS. She speaks with a rare self assurance, prodigious intellect, presence, bravura, elegance, charm, erudition, insight, personality and altogether a Black woman, rooted in community, of Faith-of Service, -this isn’t affectation this is us witnessing a Goddess, the Ancestors empower her God speaks through her- she is PERFECT for Wagner- she was meant to sing Wagner- Wagner would have had a Revelation- The Divine would have been revealed to him. Listen to how she speaks about the “people whose spirits…” she has BECOME that and we we DO see… this is the Spirit… 💗🙏🏽🕊️ Sublime.l

  • @joaoaurelio1534
    @joaoaurelio15349 жыл бұрын

    Yes the radio, omg the story is just the same. The broadcast of live opera in our oriented classical music radio is still on sundays. So i would do the same, the washing dishes would take the time of the aria or the overture etc. Lol

  • @bjustliving
    @bjustliving8 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful

  • @jamescottone9882
    @jamescottone98824 жыл бұрын

    So overly affected, yet brilliant.

  • @RendezvouDoo
    @RendezvouDoo9 жыл бұрын

    Very Beautiful!

  • @dorothyanikpe9489
    @dorothyanikpe94893 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful! Thank you so much

  • @ribeircp1
    @ribeircp17 жыл бұрын

    CLASSY LADY

  • @MrTargenor
    @MrTargenor9 жыл бұрын

    arts education IS that important! education and even forming

  • @idat.6325
    @idat.63255 жыл бұрын

    From what I’m reading, she was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia but here she seems to have a Transatlantic accent of some sort. Or an accent that isn’t distinguishable to me, but certainly not a Georgia accent. Anyone know why?

  • @timmoytsinclair395

    @timmoytsinclair395

    5 жыл бұрын

    I believe she spent alot of time in Europe, which would explain her accent. Also, as an opera singer, she has been taught to enunciate her words which is very important because as a singer, the most important thing is to ensure that the audience or listener is able to understand whatever it is that you are trying to say or communicate to them, and perhaps Ms. Norman has applied this technique to her way of speaking.

  • @CaliLiliIndies
    @CaliLiliIndies9 жыл бұрын

    She is SO #Beautiful and SO #Gifted .. What an #Inspiration .... #AfricanAmericanWomen #Beautiful #Opera #singers #BlackWomen #Artist

  • @markcombrinck-hertz3649
    @markcombrinck-hertz36493 ай бұрын

    mark love you

  • @olliet7739
    @olliet77394 жыл бұрын

    Anyone catch her withering side eye to the person's phone @4:41 yusss.

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