Ellabelle Davis facts for kids

Ellabelle Davis was an amazing American singer. She was born on March 17, 1907, and passed away on November 15, 1960. She started her singing career in 1942 at The Town Hall in New York City. Ellabelle became famous as an opera singer. She even played the main character, Aida, in the opera Aida in Mexico in 1946. Later, she sang Aida again at La Scala in Italy in 1949. She also recorded music for Decca. After she passed away, an opera was created about her life in 2009. She was also honored in the New Rochelle Walk of Fame in 2011.

Ellabelle Davis's Early Life

Ellabelle Davis was born in New Rochelle, New York, on March 17, 1907. When she was growing up, Ellabelle loved to sing. She was a choir singer. She also performed concerts with her sister, who played the piano. Ellabelle had special teachers for her music lessons. These teachers were Reina LeZar and William Patterson.

Ellabelle Davis's Singing Career

Ellabelle Davis started her career as a seamstress. She made clothes for a dressmaker in Westchester County, New York. One day, while she was working, she sang a part from an opera called Louise. A customer named Louise Crane heard her. Louise was so impressed that she offered to pay for Ellabelle's music lessons!

In 1941, Ellabelle became part of an opera group. They performed at the Museum of Modern Art. Her first solo concert was in 1942. She sang by herself at The Town Hall.

Becoming an Opera Star

In 1946, Ellabelle made history in Mexico. She became the first African-American singer to perform at the Opera Nacional. She played the main role of Aida in the famous opera Aida. She sang this role again in 1949 at La Scala in Italy. This is a very famous opera house.

Ellabelle traveled a lot for her music. She performed in many countries, including Finland and Israel. Besides her live shows, she also recorded songs. In February 1950, she recorded music for Decca. She sang songs by famous composers like Franz Schubert and Richard Strauss. She also sang parts from operas such as Don Carlos and La Wally.

Ellabelle Davis's Legacy

Ellabelle Davis passed away on November 15, 1960, in New Rochelle. She died from cancer.

Even after her death, Ellabelle's music and life continued to inspire people. In 2009, an opera was created about her. It was called The Gentle Lark of New Rochelle. This opera was performed in her hometown of New Rochelle. In 2011, Ellabelle Davis was honored again. She was added to the New Rochelle Walk of Fame. This means her achievements are remembered forever in her hometown.