About George Shirley
A distinguished and versatile tenor with a groundbreaking career, George Shirley began teaching at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 1987. Five years later, the Board of Regents named him the Joseph Edgar Maddy Distinguished University Professor of Music. He was appointed director of the vocal arts division of SMTD in 1999.
Professor Shirley came to SMTD following more than 30 years of trailblazing firsts. He was the first Black person appointed to a high school teaching position in vocal music in Detroit; the first Black member of the US Army Chorus in Washington, DC; and the first Black tenor and second Black man to sing leading roles with the Metropolitan Opera, where he was a prominent artist for 11 years. In a performance career spanning more than six decades, Professor Shirley has won international acclaim for more than 80 operatic roles – as well as oratorio and concert literature – with major opera houses and festivals all over the world.
Tenor George Shirley as Tamino in Mozart’s opera, “The magic flute.” Metropolitan Opera, 1970. Detroit Public Library.
Professor Shirley has earned abundant awards and honors throughout his career. He won a Grammy Award in 1968 for singing the role of Ferrando in the RCA recording of Mozart’s Così fan tutte. He has been honored by the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan, and his alma mater Wayne State University on numerous occasions. He received the “Lift Every Voice” Legacy Award from the National Opera Association in 2003, and in 2007, he received the Trail Blazer Award from the National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music. In 2014, he was presented with the Congressional Medal of the Arts by President Barack Obama.
George Shirley officially retired from SMTD with emeritus status in May 2007, but he continues to teach on a part-time basis at the school and privately. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Professor Shirley has been married to the visual artist Gladys Ishop Shirley for 68 years. They have two children, three granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren. Having celebrated his 90th birthday in April 2024, Professor Shirley continues to be in demand nationally and internationally as a performer, teacher, and lecturer.
George Shirley (left) with President Obama while receiving the National Medal of Arts in 2014. Photo credit: Ralph Alswang
Recent Stories
George Shirley Celebrates His 90th Birthday as His Namesake Vocal Competition Moves to SMTD (Michigan Muse Winter 2024)
Recognizing Creative Distinction: George Shirley Interview (WEMU’s creative:impact Jan. 2023)
10th Anniversary Tribute honoring George Shirley, Founder of GSVC (May 2021)
Emeritus Professor Shirley named an inaugural inductee of the Opera Hall of Fame (Nov. 2020)
Show Your Support
Each year the George Shirley Vocal Competition (GSVC) continues to advance its mission of encouraging the study of African American composition and vocal repertoire and fostering the talents of students of all ethnicities. With the help of donations from supporters such as you we hope to inspire the talents of the next generation of singers and composers.
In addition, the University of Michigan has the endowed George Shirley Voice Scholarship Fund named in his honor, which provides need-based scholarship support for undergraduate voice majors at U-M.
