Norman, Jessye (1945– )

US soprano. She is acclaimed for majestically haunting interpretations of German opera and lieder (‘songs’), notably Wagner, Mahler, and Richard Strauss, but she is equally at home with Ravel and Chausson songs and gospel music.

She was born in Augusta, Georgia, and made her operatic debut at the Deutsche Oper in Berlin in 1969. Notable performances include the title role in Aïda in Berlin and Milan and Cassandra in Les Troyens in London. Recognized worldwide for her humanitarian efforts as well as her artistic accomplishments, Norman was an honorary UN ambassador in 1990, and she became the youngest recipient of the United States Kennedy Center Honor in 1997.