President
John F. Kennedy visits with singer Marian Anderson and her
accompanist Franz Rupp (left). Oval Office, White House, Washington,
D.C. (12:50 PM, 22 March 1962)
(Photo Credit: Robert Knudsen. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston)
As we approach the 50th Anniversary murder date, 11-22-63, of President
Kennedy, MusicUNTOLD recalls the close relationship between President
Kennedy and Soprano Marian Anderson. Miss Anderson sang during the
1-20-61 inauguration of President Kennedy. Miss Anderson sang during the
1963 MARCH on WASHINGTON for JOBS and FREEDOM. On Sunday, 11-24, 1963,
two days after the murder, ABC telecast A Tribute to John F. Kennedy
from the Arts, a somber variety show featuring classical music and
dramatic readings from the Bible and Shakespeare. Marian Anderson sang
Negro Spirituals during the telecast. President Kennedy selected Miss
Anderson to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award (the highest
civilian award in the United States) in 1963. However, she did not
receive the award until 12-6-63 after his murder.
John Malveaux
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