Voices for Freedom

This unique work offers new research on the motives and accomplishments of The Hyers Sisters -- the creators of the first American musicals. Anna Madah and Emma Louise Hyers, two African-American operatic prodigies, were the darlings of concert opera during the Reconstruction era. They were revered nationwide by 1873. But, after 1876, during the era of social backlash that fueled the KKK, increased lynching, mass migrations, Jim Crow, and black faced-minstrels who ridiculed African Americans across the Land, The Sisters became"Voices for Freedom." They used their success with mainstream audiences and seven new musicals to fight the negative imaging of their people. As a result, they changed American Music Theater forever and freed the image of black people in the hearts and minds of many audiences. Anna and Emma held a dream of operatic stardom, made a remarkable change, and left an important legacy to music and human dignity, largely unsung. Their legacy can inspire us all.