The northwestern bulletin-appeal., 1925-03-14
ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD


Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield born at Natchez Miss in
18O9 of slave parents She died April 2 Philadelphia
Pa Her patronymic Taylor wealthy Quaker lady
Philadelphia Mrs Greenfield who touring South at the
me purchased Elizabeth from her when she but
DID, Returning her home with the tot she reared
carefully though she her giving advantage
the of schooling and Christian teaching possible
Between these two existed the aeconate relations
mother and daughter which continued
field in 1874
Early in life little Elizabeth exhibited for singing
physician living her neghborhood himself musay inclined
heard her sing and her. teaching her
play the guitar accompaniment moth
erfor such she malicious person. on causing
be informed Mrs Greenfield of what Elizabeth doing where
the latter called Elizabeth following words
Elizabeth it true that thee learning music and can play
the guitar?" t tue replied the young con-
fusion Go and get thy guitar and let sing This
her first apprasement of Ezabeths talent and hearing
she said Elizabeth whatever thee wants. thee shall have
At the death of Greenfield Elizabeth was left upon her
although the good lady made ample provision
her In her WILL which contested by relatives in long legal
battle resulting in their favor.
Having been cheated legacy she started for Buffalo
where she had friends While board steamer route
filled with the exuberance of melody she occasionally gave
her emotions subdued song She attracted the attention of
the Mrs Potter wife of General Potter wealthy
cial and civic leader Mrs Potter became interested her.
through her influence benefit concert arranged
Her first public appearance created musical circles
Critics were loud in their acclaim and termed her the african
Nightingale Jenny Lind then at the zenith of her
fame and called the Swedish Nightingale"
After tour through the United States Elizabeth went to
Europe to further perfect herself Her singing England by
storm She was commanded to before the Queen
nobility who testimony of her wonderful gift Her trip
abroad was triumph, both artstcaly and financially.
Returning to America she again took residence Phil
scene of her happy ghood-here engaged
teaching vocal culture and occasionally singing public She died
at the age of 68.
The race has produced many musical people, Elizabeth
Taylor Greenfield who became known by the brquet of the
Black Swan was the first great prma DONNA record
has never been equad She the contemporary
Parod Kate Hayes and Jenny Lind who among worlds
greatest singers
comparison of the popularity of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield
and Jenny Lind significant by the the latter gave
concert in Rochester N Y to house only filed and the
me on the following night at the heater filled it to
flowing
OF this magnificent singer the Milwaukee Sentinel in April
1907 printed the folowing What shall say we were
delighted and suped All who know that from
their own feelings We only say have never heard
voice like heone that with and with such absence
all effort could range from the highest lowest notes.
She marvellous voice. embracing notes. reach
ing from the sonorous bass of baritone the highest
voice with range of more than three octaves