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From humble southern roots, Jessye Norman conquered the world’s stages

Celebrated opera singer Jessye Norman, an American soprano who showcased her majestic voice in performances around the world, died on Monday, her family said.

She was 74 years old. A statement said: “The Grammy winner died “surrounded by loved ones” at a New York hospital due to septic shock and multi-organ failure, after complications from a 2015 spinal cord injury.”

“We are so proud of Jessye’s musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy,” said her family.

Praising her “beautiful tone, extraordinary power, and musical sensitivity,” New York’s Metropolitan Opera – where she sang more than 80 performances – dedicated its Monday show

of Porgy and Bess to Norman. “Jessye Norman was one of the greatest artists to ever sing on our stage,” said general manager Peter Gelb in a statement.

“Her legacy shall forever live on.”

Born September 15, 1945 in Augusta, Georgia, Norman grew up surrounded by music as one of five children in a family of amateur artists.

She made a foray into gospel at age four, and as a young girl began listening to radio broadcasts of performances at the Metropolitan Opera, where she would become a legend.

“I don’t remember a moment in my life when I wasn’t trying to sing,” she told NPR in 2014.

She established herself in Europe in the 1970s, making her operatic debut in Berlin in 1969. –