Year: 1923

Who: Anita Patti Brown

Where: Chicago, Illinois

In the early 1900s, Anita Patti Brown captivated audiences with her powerful soprano voice, earning the moniker "the Bronze Tetrazzini." Born Patsie Dean around 1870 in Georgia, she relocated to Chicago to pursue formal training. Her debut at the Chicago Opera House in 1903 marked the beginning of a distinguished career that saw her perform across the United States and internationally, including tours in South America and the British West Indies.

Beyond her performances, Brown was a trailblazer for African American women in the arts. In 1920, she launched "Patti's Brazilian Toilette Luxuries," a mail-order business offering cosmetics and perfumes tailored for Black women. She also challenged racial discrimination head-on, successfully suing a Chicago drug store in 1923 for refusing her service. In the 1930s, she shifted focus to education, teaching voice at her Chicago studio, thereby nurturing the next generation of Black artists.

Anita Patti Brown's legacy is a testament to resilience and excellence. She expanded the scope of classical music by introducing African American cultural elements, inspiring future generations of Black artists to pursue their passions despite societal barriers. Her story invites reflection on the broader themes of racial equality and artistic expression, encouraging modern audiences to appreciate the rich tapestry of contributions from African American artists.

Sources:

Websites:

• BlackFacts.com. (n.d.). Anita Patti Brown: “The Globe-Trotting Prima Donna”. BlackFacts.com. https://blackfacts.com/fact/anita-patti-brown-the-globe-trotting-prima-donna​

• The Nashville Globe. (1909, April 23). Madame Anita Patti Brown at Spruce Street. The Nashville Globe, p. 3. Retrieved February 20, 2021, from Newspapers.com.