Barbara Hendricks Biography Finally Reaches American Shores

In November 2010, Barbara Hendricks released her memoirs in France under the title Ma voie - Mémoires. Now for the first time in America, an English translation has been released called Lifting My Voice. Information about the book: "Growing up African American in segregated Arkansas in the 1950s, Barbara Hendricks witnessed firsthand the painful struggle for civil rights. After graduation from the Juilliard School of Music, Hendricks immediately won a number of important international prizes, and began performing in recitals and operas throughout the world. A Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, she is as devoted to humanitarian work as she is to her music. Always the anti-diva, Hendricks is a down-to-earth and straightforward woman, whether singing Mozart or black spirituals. She challenges stereotypes and puts the music first and presents a warm, engaging, and honest self-portrait of one of the great women of music." [Source] The Wall Street Journal offers a review of the Lifting My Voice, along with Jessye Norman's new book Stand Up Straight and Sing!, here. A beautiful photo of Barbara Hendricks at the 65th Cannes Film Festival and a musical selection are after the jump.