Legendary opera singer Jessye Norman has died at the age of 74.

The Associated Press reports the iconic singer died Monday morning from complications including septic shock and multi-organ failure stemming from a 2015 spinal cord injury.

Born September 15, 1945, the Augusta, Georgia, native grew up singing in her local church and learning music from other family members. She credits her grandparents for playing an instrumental part in fostering and nurturing her musical gifts, a New York Times profile detailed.

According to the AP, her talented blossomed, earning her a scholarship to historically Black college, Howard University. Then, she studied at the Peabody Conservatory and the University of Michigan.

“We are so proud of Jessye’s musical achievements and the inspiration that she provided to audiences around the world that will continue to be a source of joy. We are equally proud of her humanitarian endeavors addressing matters such as hunger, homelessness, youth development, and arts and culture education,” a family statement read.

As one of the few Black women to gain international stardom in the opera world, Norman's career was marked by glaring achievements. She sang the title roles in works like Carmen, Aida and others in her career. She has lent her voice to the works of Wagner, Janacek, Poulenc, Bartok and Strauss operas. She also played Cassandre in Les Troyens by Berlioz.

Since her debut in 1969 in Berlin, she performed over 80 times at the Metropolitan Opera alone. In addition to the Met, the soprano performed at other prestigious venues including the Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Royal Opera House in London.

FARE THE WELL GODDESS OF SONG JESSYE NORMAN This is a bridge too far. I’m getting drunk. I can’t imagine a world without her right the pinnacle of interpreting racist overly bombastic Wagner was this beautiful powerful Black woman AND SHES GONE #JessyeNorman
pic.twitter.com/UfeImpmX7H

— ????????????Sydette THE RETURN OF THE DAYWALKER ???????????? (@Blackamazon) September 30, 2019

For roughly 50 years, Norman's angelic voice made her one of the most sought after sopranos in operatic music. She earned 15 Grammy nominations and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2006. At just the age of 52, in 1997, she was the youngest person to receive a Kennedy Center Honor.

Many around the world mourned after receiving news of the legend's passing. Twitter users shared memorable clips, gave touching tributes and pulled up moments where she challenged the status quo.

4. I've always loved this clip of Jessye Norman explaining why "The Star Spangled Banner," should NOT be our national anthem.

She makes the case for "America The Beautiful," to be the national anthem in the most elegant way.

Gosh, I'm gonna miss her so much. pic.twitter.com/xQHMxwnIfX

— Yashar Ali ???? (@yashar) September 30, 2019

We live in an age where we need art more than ever, to uplift our world with the beauty of the human spirit. Few could summon the angels like the soprano Jessye Norman. A uniquely American voice that broke barriers and moved hearts. We will miss her dearly. May she Rest in Peace.

— Dan Rather (@DanRather) September 30, 2019

Rest in peace to the legendary Jessye Norman. The opera icon passed away at 74 years old. pic.twitter.com/VSSKsJHaKl

— Clay Cane (@claycane) September 30, 2019

Farewell to the beloved Jessye Norman, a woman of vision, adventure and joy. A glorious voice and beautiful soul has winged towards Heaven. Her legacy lives on in music and the children who greet art in her name each day. May God grant her family peace in their time of sorrow. pic.twitter.com/LTxH3iS6e5

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) September 30, 2019

Norman wasn't just a star, she was also a champion for diversity and equality. She raised funds to make arts in schools accessible to everyone. In 2003, Norman opened the Jessye Norman School of the Arts in her hometown of Augusta to make good on her commitment to giving back.

Details regarding the late singer's funerals have yet to be revealed to the public.

Metropolitan-Opera

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