Marian Anderson was an American contralto singer, born on February 27, 1897, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She gained fame for her powerful voice and emotional performances, becoming one of the first African American artists to achieve international recognition in classical music. In 1939, Anderson made headlines when she performed at the Lincoln Memorial after being denied the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall due to her race. This historic concert, attended by thousands, became a significant moment in the civil rights movement and showcased her commitment to breaking racial barriers in the arts.