I Never Walked Alone: the Autobiography of an American Singer.

by Shirley Verrett with Christopher Brooks John Wiley & Sons, May 2003 $30.00, ISBN 0-471-20991-0

With an exquisite voice of dizzying range and a stunning career that spanned more than four decades, Shirley Verrett is one of the world's most beloved singers, one that many music listeners likely never heard sing. That is because Verrett is a soprano, and her spectacular voice belongs to the world of opera.

Prior to reading I Never Walked Alone, I could name only four opera singers. They are Marian Anderson, Kathleen Battle, Luciano Pavarotti and Leontyne Price. The first opera I attended was Carmen--familiar to me because I know and love the movie Carmen Jones--a few years back at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. So admittedly, this reviewer's knowledge of the opera is severely limited. I have, after all, to thank the Warner Brothers for my introduction to the art form by way of Elmer Fudd and Bugs Bunny's stirring rendition of "Kill the Wabbit" to the tune of Wagner's "The Valkyrie."

But Verrett's story is an engrossing tale, even for those without a robust knowledge of opera. Born into a strict Seventh Day Adventist home in New Orleans 1930s, where secular music and dancing were forbidden, Verrett's began her career, as so many do, with a childhood church recital. With the encouragement of her father, in particular, Verrett learned to believe in herself and her talent. She eventually graduated from the Julliard School of Music and went on to perform on stages throughout the United States. and Europe. No small feat for an African American daughter of the South.

Married twice, the mother of an adopted daughter and now a grandmother and educated at the University of Michigan, Verrett reveals in an almost pedestrian manner the chronological account of her journey to the world stage. She graciously shares the copious details from her performances and collaborations with renowned directors, conductors and famed prima donnas and primo dons. She also offers an intimate look at her efforts to balance family and career, her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and other humanitarian efforts. No dirty diva dish here, them is only the wisdom mad insight of a lifetime. The story that unfolds is inspiring, and it reveals life lessons for all. Above all, it has led this reviewer to expand her knowledge of the opera. See you at the Met.

--Zakia Munirah Carter an editor at Africana.com