Jessye Norman (September 15, 1945 – September 30, 2019) was an American opera singer and recitalist. With a voice that The New York Times described as a "grand mansion of sound", Ms. Norman was a relentless explorer of the arts who had no fear of any challenge. She sang wide-ranging opera, art songs and anthems, while commissioning bold new works and venturing into the worlds of jazz and pop. A tireless community activist, she gave of her considerable energy to enrich the lives of the poor and voiceless.
