AllMovie

This film provides a brief biography of the life of black opera singer Shirley Verrett. Like other such highly talented singers and musicians, including Louis Armstrong, Al Hirt, and Wynton Marsalis, Shirley grew up in the vibrant town of New Orleans, LA. During this film, cameras document parts of one year of her life as she performs in public and reminisces about the people and events that shaped her past. She also performs both blues numbers and spiritual songs. Shirley shares how her religious views have influenced her career as well. Some viewers are likely to recall how creatively and masterfully Shirley has handled a number of dramatic roles, including Tosca, Carmen, and Dalila.