Roland W. Hayes Tickets

Music

Roland W. Hayes is often considered one of the first African-American singers to achieve major success in classical music. Born in Curryville, Georgia, in 1887, he would eventually become a pioneering figure in the world of opera and art song.

From an early age, Hayes showed an interest in music. His family was poor, and he had to work on their farm, but whenever he could, he would sing and play instruments. By his teenage years, he had begun performing in local churches and events. He was soon discovered by Arthur Calhoun, a white businessman who recognized the boy's talent and offered to help him get a proper education in music.

With Calhoun's support, Hayes enrolled at Fisk University, one of the oldest historically black colleges in the United States. There, he studied under some of the best music teachers in the country and developed his voice to its fullest potential. He also sang with the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a group that performed spirituals and hymns across the United States and Europe.

After graduating from Fisk University, Hayes continued his studies at the Boston Conservatory of Music. In 1917, he made his recital debut at Symphony Hall in Boston, where he performed works by Schubert, Brahms, and other composers. The audience was stunned by his powerful and expressive voice, and he soon became a sought-after performer in the United States and abroad.

Despite his success, Hayes faced many challenges because of his race. At a time when segregation was still the norm in the United States, he was often denied access to hotels, restaurants, and other public places. He also faced discrimination in the music industry, where many venues and orchestras were unwilling to hire black performers.

Despite these obstacles, Hayes persevered and continued to perform around the world. He became especially well-known for his interpretations of German lieder, French art songs, and Italian operas. His recordings of these works are still highly regarded today and continue to inspire young singers around the world.

Hayes died in 1977 at the age of 89, but his legacy lives on. He paved the way for many other black singers who would follow in his footsteps, including Marian Anderson and Leontyne Price. He also helped to expand the repertoire of classical music by introducing audiences to works from different cultures and traditions.

Today, classical music is more diverse than ever, with performers and composers from all over the world bringing their unique perspectives to the stage. Roland W. Hayes played a crucial role in this evolution, and his contribution to the genre will always be remembered.