Kathleen Deanna Battle is an American operatic soprano known for her distinctive vocal range and tone. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, Battle initially became known for her work within the concert repertoire through performances with major orchestras during the early and mid-1970s. She made her opera debut in 1975. Battle expanded her repertoire into lyric soprano and coloratura soprano roles during the 1980s and early 1990s, until her eventual dismissal from the Metropolitan Opera in 1994. After a 22-year absence from the Met, Battle performed a concert of spirituals at the Metropolitan Opera House in November 2016.
About Kathleen Battle
Lyric soprano who was one of the most well-known African American opera singers from the 1970s to the early 1990s.
Before Fame
She was working as a sixth grade music teacher when she earned her first major choir solo.
Achievement
She won a 1992 Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Classical Music.
Family Life
She grew up in Porstmouth, Ohio with six older siblings.
Associations
She joined Ella Fitzgerald as a member of the NAACP Hall of Fame in 1999.
Information related to Kathleen Battle
- African-American opera singers
- Singers from Ohio
- Laurence Olivier Award winners
- American operatic sopranos
- African-American female singers
