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Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield was the first African American opera singer who became popular in the United States and Europe. Many reviewers and critics portrayed Greenfield as unusual and exotic to increase her popularity. Nevertheless, her performances disrupted racist stereotypes about slavery and Black people.

European Concert Tour

Greenfield’s European tour took her to England, Scotland, and Ireland. She won the favor of the Duchesses of Sutherland, Norfolk, and Argyll. They became her patrons during the tour.

On May 10, 1854, Greenfield sang for Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace. While in London, Greenfield also met Harriet Beecher Stowe, the American author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

After a performance at Exeter Hall, a reviewer in the London Advertiser commented:

“Apart from the natural gifts with which this lady is endowed, the great musical skill which she has acquired both as a singer and an instrumentalist, are convincing arguments against the assertion so often made, that the negro race are incapable of intellectual culture of a high standard.”

Greenfield captivated audiences in both the United States and Europe. Through her performances, she challenged racist stereotypes about slavery and Black people.