Marian Anderson was an African American singer born in 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Philadelphia and showed an early talent for singing, joining her church choir at age 6. Anderson studied singing throughout her education. Although initially struggling, she found success touring Europe in the 1920s. In 1939, Anderson performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after being denied the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall due to her race. This concert brought her international fame and acclaim. Anderson went on to become the first African American singer hired by the Metropolitan Opera. She used her platform to advocate for desegregation and civil rights. Marian Anderson died in 1993 at the age of 96.