Commemorating Another Year: Susan Graham, distinguished opera singer (July 23)

On July 23, 1960, Susan Graham was born in Roswell, New Mexico. Raised in Midland, Texas, she honed her musical prowess, studying piano for 13 years and earning degrees from Texas Tech University and the Manhattan School of Music. A standout at the Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions, Graham's talent reached global heights with her 1994 Covent Garden debut in Massenet's Chérubin. Noteworthy for premiering roles in contemporary operas like Harbison's The Great Gatsby and Heggie's Dead Man Walking, she is also celebrated for championing French songs and contemporary American compositions. Graham's career milestones include singing at George W. Bush's inauguration and Edward M. Kennedy's televised funeral mass. A UNESCO delegate, she received accolades like the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters and a Grammy. In 2006, Midland, Texas, dedicated the first "Susan Graham Day," a fitting tribute to a hometown artist whose impact transcends borders. From her operatic triumphs to diverse recordings, Susan Graham's journey is a testament to her enduring musical legacy.