Andrew Frierson facts for kids

Andrew Benny Frierson (born March 29, 1924 – died December 6, 2018) was an American opera singer with a deep, rich voice called a baritone. He was also a music teacher. Frierson was one of the first black opera singers to become very successful. He was part of a special group of performers who helped break down unfair barriers based on race in the world of opera. In 2000, he received the Legacy Award from the National Opera Association. This award celebrates the important contributions made by African-American artists to opera in America.

Andrew Frierson's Life and Career

Early Life and Training

Andrew Frierson was born in Columbia, Tennessee, on March 29, 1924. He grew up in Kentucky. He loved music and studied singing at two famous schools: the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School. At Juilliard, he learned from a voice teacher named Belle Julie Soudant. Later, Frierson became a teacher himself, sharing his knowledge at Southern University and Oberlin College.

In his early career, Andrew Frierson was a member of a group called The Belafonte Folk Singers. He performed and made recordings with them, sometimes with the famous singer Harry Belafonte and sometimes on their own.

A Star on Stage

Frierson made his first professional opera performance in 1958. He played the role of Cal in an opera called Regina with the New York City Opera. He even recorded this role for an album. He continued to perform with the New York City Opera for six years. During this time, he played many different characters, including Henry Davis in Street Scene and the King in Aida. He also played the main role in George Gershwin's famous opera Porgy and Bess.

In 1960, Frierson performed in an opera called Così fan tutte. He even toured with this show to Bermuda! In 1961, he played Joe in a new version of the musical Show Boat in New York City. He famously sang the song Ol' Man River on The Ed Sullivan Show, a very popular TV show at the time.

Family and Later Years

In 1975, Andrew Frierson performed a special concert with his wife, Billie Lynn Daniel, who was also a talented singer. Their daughter, Andrea Frierson, became an actress. She married actor Jesse D. Goins in 1977. Later, Andrea married another actor, David Toney.

Andrew Frierson passed away in Oberlin, Ohio, at the age of 94. He left behind a great legacy as a pioneering opera singer and a dedicated music educator.