Mattiwilda dobbs biography

Mattiwilda Dobbs’s exceptional vocal gifts and musical skill enabled her to cross color barriers to become an internationally known opera star. The Atlanta native was the first African American to sing at La Scala in Milan, Italy, and the first Black woman to be offered a long-term contract by the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York.

Named for her maternal grandmother, Mattie Wilda Sykes, Mattiwilda Dobbs was born on July 11, 1925.

Mattiwilda Dobbs (July 11, – December 8, ) was an American coloratura soprano and was one of the first black singers to enjoy a major international.

Mattiwilda Dobbs (July 11, – December 8, ) was an American coloratura soprano and was one of the first black singers to enjoy a major international.

Opera singer Mattiwilda Dobbs was born on July 11, in Atlanta, Georgia.

*Mattiwilda Dobbs was.

The Atlanta native was the first African American to sing at La Scala in Milan, Italy, and the first Black woman to be offered a long-term contract by the.

The African-American coloratura soprano, Mattiwilda Dobbs, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of John and Irene Dobbs, who were leaders in the African-.

She was the fifth of six daughters born to Irene Ophelia Thompson and John Wesley Dobbs, who were leaders in the African American community of Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue area. Like her sisters, she began piano lessons at the age of seven, sang in community and church choirs, and attended Spelman College, where she began to study voice.

Naturally shy, she was so nervous at her first solo appearances that she had to lean on the piano for support, but her unusual talent and quality of voice persuaded her father to fund furthe