# Barbara Hendricks

> American operatic soprano and concert singer

**Wikidata**: [Q807482](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q807482)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Hendricks)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barbara-hendricks

## Summary
Barbara Hendricks is an American operatic soprano and concert singer renowned for her contributions to classical music. Recognized with prestigious honors such as the Legion of Honour and the Princess of Asturias Award, she has performed globally, blending opera, jazz, and swing. Her career spans over four decades, solidifying her status as a leading vocalist in both operatic and concert settings.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 20, 1948
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: 
  - University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  - Juilliard School
- **Known for**: Operatic and concert performances, genre versatility
- **Employer(s)**: 
  - United Nations (Goodwill Ambassador)
- **Field(s)**: Opera, classical music, jazz, swing

## Contributions
- **Performance Career**: Established a prolific operatic and concert career since 1974, performing in renowned venues worldwide.
- **Genre Fusion**: Successfully blended classical music with jazz and swing, expanding the reach of opera.
- **UN Affiliation**: Served as a UN Goodwill Ambassador, leveraging her platform for humanitarian efforts.
- **Awards and Honors**: Received the Legion of Honour, Princess of Asturias Award, Saint George's Cross, and multiple honorary doctorates from French universities.

## FAQs
**What are Barbara Hendricks' notable awards?**  
She has received the Knight of the Legion of Honour, Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts, Saint George's Cross, and honorary doctorates from Grenoble-III University, Paris 8 University, and Sorbonne Nouvelle University.

**Where was Barbara Hendricks educated?**  
She studied at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Juilliard School in New York City.

**What genres define Barbara Hendricks' work?**  
Primarily an operatic soprano, she is also recognized for her contributions to jazz and swing music.

**What international roles has Barbara Hendricks held?**  
She served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, combining her musical career with humanitarian advocacy.

## Why They Matter
Barbara Hendricks has significantly influenced classical music by bridging operatic traditions with jazz and swing, introducing these genres to broader audiences. Her humanitarian work with the UN underscores her commitment to global issues, amplifying her impact beyond the stage. Her accolades from multiple countries reflect her universal appeal and artistic excellence, ensuring her legacy as a versatile and socially conscious performer.

## Notable For
- **Awards**: Knight of the Legion of Honour, Princess of Asturias Award, Saint George's Cross
- **Honorary Doctorates**: Grenoble-III University, Paris 8 University, Sorbonne Nouvelle University
- **UN Affiliation**: Goodwill Ambassador
- **Genre Versatility**: Operatic soprano with expertise in jazz and swing
- **Educational Background**: Juilliard School and University of Nebraska–Lincoln

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Born on November 20, 1948, Barbara Hendricks pursued her musical education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and later at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. This foundational training laid the groundwork for her future career in opera and classical music.

### Career and Performances
Since debuting in 1974, Hendricks has maintained a prolific career, performing in leading operatic roles and concert halls internationally. Her repertoire spans classical music, with notable forays into jazz and swing, demonstrating her vocal versatility and artistic innovation. This genre-blending approach has distinguished her within the classical music sphere.

### Humanitarian Work
Beyond her musical achievements, Hendricks served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. This role allowed her to merge her artistic platform with humanitarian efforts, advocating for global causes and leveraging her influence to address social issues.

### Awards and Recognition
Hendricks' contributions have been widely recognized through esteemed awards, including the Knight of the Legion of Honour (France), Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts (Spain), and the Saint George's Cross (Spain). Additionally, she has received honorary doctorates from three French universities: Grenoble-III University, Paris 8 University, and Sorbonne Nouvelle University. These honors reflect her global acclaim and the enduring impact of her work.

### Artistic Legacy
With a career spanning over four decades, Hendricks has solidified her position as a leading figure in classical music. Her ability to seamlessly transition between operatic and jazz genres has expanded the boundaries of vocal performance, inspiring subsequent generations of musicians. Her performances and recordings continue to be celebrated for their technical precision and emotional depth.

### Institutional Affiliations
Hendricks' affiliation with the Juilliard School and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln highlights her commitment to musical education. Her tenure as a UN Goodwill Ambassador further underscores her dedication to using her platform for positive change, distinguishing her as both an accomplished artist and a socially engaged individual.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=2748)
2. last.fm
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. [Source](https://www.nicematin.com/vie-locale/le-jour-ou-barbara-hendricks-sest-mariee-sous-les-fresques-de-cocteau-a-menton-82558)
6. AllMusic
7. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
8. [Source](http://www.gencat.cat/presidencia/creusantjordi/2006/cat/)
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10. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000760799)
11. [Source](https://www.univ-paris8.fr/Docteurs-honoris-causa)
12. [Source](https://www.sorbonne-nouvelle.fr/les-docteurs-honoris-causa-de-la-sorbonne-nouvelle--90298.kjsp)
13. Notable Black American Women
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27. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=fraT66cMfnIYfyoD&t=1793&v=_Z0geskn1ew)
28. BBC Things
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31. performing-arts.ch