Flora Batson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Flora Batson
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Flora Marie Batson |
| Also known as | The Double-Voiced Queen of Song and The Colored Jenny Lind |
| Born | April 16, 1864 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | December 1, 1906 (aged 42) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | light opera, popular music |
| Years active | 1885–1906 |
Flora Batson (1864–1906) was a very famous and talented concert singer. People called her "The Double-Voiced Queen of Song" because she could sing in both high (soprano) and low (baritone) voices. Newspapers also compared her to a famous singer named Jenny Lind, calling her "the colored Jenny Lind."
Contents
Early Life and Career
Flora Batson was born in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 1864. She started singing when she was very young in her church choir.
Early Training
When she was 13, Flora began singing professionally at Storer College in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. She sang there for two years. After that, she spent three years singing for the People's Church of Boston. She also worked for a year with Red Path's Lecture and Lyceum Bureau.
Becoming Famous
In 1885, Flora Batson joined the Bergen Star Company. She became very well-known around the world. She was seen as a modern version of other famous singers like Marie Selika Williams and Sissieretta Jones. Flora sometimes performed with Sissieretta Jones and was even considered her friendly rival.
Personal Life
Flora Batson and her mother moved to Providence, Rhode Island when Flora was three years old. Her father had passed away shortly before from war wounds.
Marriage and Family
Flora married John Bergen on December 13, 1887. Their marriage was unusual for the time because they were from different racial backgrounds. Flora and John did not have children together, but she became a stepmother to his son, Gary. After John Bergen passed away, Flora married Gerard Millar. She also performed with him.
Later Years and Passing
Flora Batson passed away in Philadelphia on December 1, 1906. She died from a kidney condition called uremia.
Music Career Highlights
Flora Batson's professional singing career officially began when she was 13 years old.
Joining the Bergen Star Company
In 1885, John Bergen became Flora Batson's manager. She joined his Bergen Star Company as a last-minute replacement for another singer.
John Bergen helped make Flora's career even bigger. He even called her "The Real Patti" to create a friendly rivalry with Sissieretta Jones, who was known as "The Black Patti."
World Tours and Royal Performances
With John Bergen's help, Flora Batson became famous as the only "double-voiced" singer of color in the United States. She traveled and performed all over the world. She sang for important people and leaders, including Queen Victoria of England, Pope Leo the Eighth, Queen Emma of Hawaii, and the Royal Family of New Zealand.
After John Bergen
After John Bergen passed away in 1896, Flora continued to tour with different singing groups. She sang duets with Gerard Millar in the South. They also toured together in Australia in 1899 and 1900.
Special Performances
In March 1889, Flora performed at the First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Advertisements for this show said she would wear a special crown. This crown was given to her by the people of Philadelphia, who called her the "Queen of Song." She also wore a diamond necklace from the people of New York and diamonds from the people of Rhode Island. The event was so popular that people talked about moving it to an opera house, but it stayed at the church. Tickets cost 25 cents.
