Gershwin’s Bess: A Novel reveals the unique collaboration – and untold story- between the famous composer and the young soprano who first sang the role of Bess. Anne Brown, an aspiring opera singer, enrolled at Juilliard, knowing full well that racial prejudice denied her access to traditional stages. George Gershwin’s plans to write an opera starring all “Negroes” presented an opportunity she couldn’t afford to lose. The book chronicles Anne’s family life, school years and Juilliard studies, as well as her friendships and romances, (one brief marriage), inner thoughts, and the creation of Porgy and Bess, including what it meant to Black artists at the time and the mixed critical response.

Set amid the historical events of the late 1920s- mid 1930s, the novel brings to light the story of a woman whose contributions to culture and history are largely unknown, yet she paved the way for other African Americans to sing classical opera worldwide. Gershwin’s Bess includes a foreword written by soprano Marquita Lister, who sang the role of Bess worldwide and met Anne Brown.

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