Book Review
Dec. 26th, 2021 11:40 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kenjariBlack Diva of the Thirties: The Life of Ruby Elzy
by David E. Weaver
Ruby Elzy was an African-American soprano whose career spanned the late 1920s through the early 1940s. She originated the role of Serena in Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess, starred in a few musical plays on Broadway, and appeared in a handful of films. Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short when she died after an operation in 1943. Weaver's book is the first published biography, and it is very enjoyable to read. Weaver did a great deal of research, especially around interviewing Elzy's family, friends, and colleagues, but wrote the book with a more general audience in mind. He really brings Elzy to life and makes clear what a loss her death was.
by David E. Weaver
Ruby Elzy was an African-American soprano whose career spanned the late 1920s through the early 1940s. She originated the role of Serena in Gershwin's opera Porgy and Bess, starred in a few musical plays on Broadway, and appeared in a handful of films. Unfortunately, her life was tragically cut short when she died after an operation in 1943. Weaver's book is the first published biography, and it is very enjoyable to read. Weaver did a great deal of research, especially around interviewing Elzy's family, friends, and colleagues, but wrote the book with a more general audience in mind. He really brings Elzy to life and makes clear what a loss her death was.
