MARIAN ANDERSON [ca. 1939-77] Photo archive

New York: Various, [ca. 1939-1977]. Set of twenty vintage original 7 x 9″ (17 x 22 cm) and 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) black-and-white glossy silver gelatin photos. Minor use for publications, overall about fine.

Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a world-renowned contralto and civil rights pioneer who challenged racial barriers in the United States. Her powerful, graceful voice with an extraordinary range made her one of the most celebrated singers of the twentieth century. Anderson performed a wide range of music, from opera to spirituals, with renowned orchestras across the United States and Europe from 1925 to 1965. (Wikipedia)

The earliest images in the grouping appear to be from 1939. She is depicted at social events in her honor, while recording, working on radio programs in the 1940s and 50s, at a meeting with Jackie Robinson, in rehearsal, performing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1952, as a delegate to the United Nations, and with first lady Rosalynn Carter in 1977.