American Masters

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.

Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

1h 53m

Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.

Previews + Extras

  • How racism affected Marian Anderson's vocal classification: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How racism affected Marian Anderson's vocal classification

    S36 E2 - 1m 24s

    Marian Anderson was billed as a contralto, the lowest possible female voice, even though she could also sing the high notes of a soprano. "I believed that Marian Anderson was not classified as a soprano is because that would mean that she would be the love interest of a white counterpart, which was not accepted at all at the time," said opera singer Denyce Graves.

  • Marian Anderson's singing recalls America's racial unrest: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Marian Anderson's singing recalls America's racial unrest

    S36 E2 - 3m 14s

    In 1919, Marian Anderson traveled to Chicago for a six-week opera course. Decades later, the city's lasting impression on her was heard through her rendition of the spiritual folk song, "Crucifixion," which evoked memories of the racial unrest she saw during her time there.

  • Marian Anderson's love of fashion and shoes: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Marian Anderson's love of fashion and shoes

    S36 E2 - 1m 37s

    The National Marian Anderson Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania houses a collection of Anderson's beautiful couture clothing, accessories and shoes. "One of the things that Marian was able to re-imagine about her life and about her style was being introduced to the European fashion scene," said Jillian Pirtle, CEO of the museum.

  • Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands

    S36 E2 - 1m 4s

    Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.

  • Marian Anderson overcame discrimination with Danbury farm: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Marian Anderson overcame discrimination with Danbury farm

    S36 E2 - 1m 34s

    Anderson bought her beloved farm in Danbury, CT, with her husband, Orpheus Fisher. Despite her reverence and Fisher being able to pass as white, the couple still encountered racism while attempting to buy the farm. The couple persevered and expanded their purchase to 100 acres of land they later dubbed Marianna Farms.

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