Marie Selika Williams facts for kids
Marie Selika Williams (born around 1849 – died May 19, 1937) was an amazing American singer. She was a coloratura soprano, which means she had a very high and flexible singing voice. She made history as the first Black artist to perform at the White House.
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Who Was Marie Selika Williams?
Marie Selika Williams was born as Marie Smith in Natchez, Mississippi, around 1849. Her family moved to Cincinnati when she was young. There, a wealthy family helped pay for her singing lessons. This was a big opportunity for her talent to grow.
Early Music Training
In the 1870s, Marie moved to San Francisco to continue her music studies. She learned from a teacher named Signora G. Bianchi. Later, she studied in Chicago with Antonio Farini. He taught her the Italian method of singing, which was very popular for opera singers. While studying, she met Sampson Williams, who was also an opera singer. They later got married.
Performing for Presidents and Queens
Marie Selika Williams became famous for her beautiful voice. She achieved many important milestones in her career.
Singing at the White House
In 1878, Marie Selika Williams made history. She became the first Black artist to perform at the White House. On November 13, she sang for President Rutherford B. Hayes and First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes. Her performance took place in the Green Room. She was introduced by Marshall Fred Douglass, a well-known figure.
Concerts and Tours
After her White House performance, Marie Selika Williams continued to perform in major venues.
- In 1878, she sang at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.
- In 1879, she performed at New York's Steinway Hall.
From 1882 to 1885, Marie and her husband toured across Europe. They gave many concerts. A very special performance happened in 1883. They sang at St James's Hall in London for Queen Victoria herself!
Her Stage Name and Nickname
Marie Williams likely chose her stage name, Selika, from a character in an opera. The character was named Sélika in Giacomo Meyerbeer's opera L'Africaine. Marie was also known for her amazing singing of a song called "Polka Staccato." Because of this, people often called her the "Queen of Staccato."
Later Career and Legacy
After their European tours, Marie and Sampson Williams continued to perform.
Touring the United States
From 1885 to 1891, Marie and her husband toured the United States. Sampson Williams used the stage name "Signor Velosko (the Hawaiian tenor)." They toured Europe a second time. In 1893, they performed at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After their tours, they settled in Cleveland, Ohio.
Performances with Other Artists
Marie Selika Williams also performed with other talented Black singers. On October 12, 1896, she sang at Carnegie Hall in New York. She performed alongside Flora Batson and Sissieretta Jones, who were also famous singers.
Teaching and Final Years
Sampson Williams passed away in 1911. After his death, Marie Selika Williams continued to share her musical knowledge. She gave private singing lessons. She also taught at the Martin-Smith Music School in New York City. Marie Selika Williams died on May 19, 1937. Her legacy as a pioneering Black artist lives on.
See also
- Marie Selika Williams para niños (in Spanish)
