The Slave Who Became a Singing Sensation
Meet the first Black international singing star--Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield
Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield—an emancipated slave—was the 1st Black singer to garner acclaim in both Europe & America; An astounding achievement for a Black woman in the era of chattel slavery.
Her vocal prowess was so impressive, that it became a key that opened the door for her to sing for the Queen of England. HOW this came to pass is a tale of historic proportions.
A change of location led to a life altering change of destiny for Elizabeth. She was born in Natchez, Mississippi and relocated to Philadelphia with the mistress, for whom she was named, Elizabeth H. Greenfield.
In the North, Mrs Greenfield joined the Quaker Society of Friends, became involved in abolitionist activities, and made the pivotal decision to emancipate her slaves. Yes, she willingly, of her own accord, set her salves free!
Elizabeth remained with her former owner in a caretaking capacity after she was freed, and kept her first and last name.
Mrs Greenfield recognized and encouraged Elizabeth’s affinity for music—financially providing for development of her musical and vocal talent. It was an education that laid the foundation upon which Elizabeth built a future career as a concert artist.
The music she sang was classical and considered more befitting a white vocalist. But Elizabeth defied odds, and stereotypes. She excelled in this musical genre, becoming affectionately dubbed by the press: “The Black Swan” for her “remarkably sweet tones and wide vocal compass". Her performances were in high demand and shattered beliefs about artistry and race.
Audiences on two continents were enthralled with the performances---her voice was a melodic hammer, shattering barriers with each note she sang.
The pinnacle of her time in Europe was an invitation to sing for Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace in 1854—almost a decade before the Emancipation Proclamation was signed!
Her story is a portrait of an impossible dream: A Black woman in the antebellum era, journeying from the bondage of chattel slavery to the renown of serenading British royalty.
I came to a few realizations as I reflected on her noteworthy upward trajectory. One can possess endless talent and have it rendered null in the face of systemic oppression.
For my enslaved ancestors, the tyrannical systems of institutional racism were a lock sealing shut the door of opportunity. It blocked ALL pathways to access for gifts to be realized, nurtured, or developed.
Elizabeth rose from unknown slave girl to renowned vocalist because she was granted freedom, opportunity, access, and finances.
How many of my forebears were unable to even imagine the realization of their potential because the heavy chains of chattel slavery, held shackled any opportunity for pursuit of a better life?
I don’t know the exact number, but I know it to lie in the millions.
I laud Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield’s amazing achievements, even as I lament millions of slave dreams untapped, unpursued, unrealized…and in many cases unimagined.
Both/And.