Caterina Jarboro, born Katherine Lee Yarborough in Wilmington, North Carolina, was raised in a diverse family—her father was Black and her mother American Indian. According to Black past, After the death of her parents at age 13, she moved to Brooklyn in 1916 to live with an aunt and pursue her dreams.
Rise to Fame in New York
According to records, Jarboro quickly rose through New York’s theater scene. She made her debut in the Broadway musical Shuffle Along in 1921, showcasing her powerful voice. Seeking further training and exposure, she moved to Europe to study and perform in various small productions.
Historic European Debut
In 1930, Jarboro made her operatic debut as Aida at the Puccini Theater in Milan, Italy, with the San Carlo Opera Company.
This performance marked her entry into the operatic world, and she continued to gain recognition, especially in Europe, where her vocal prowess was widely celebrated.
Breaking Barriers in the U.S.
In 1933, according to The New York Times, Jarboro became the first Black woman to perform with a major American opera company when she joined the Chicago Civic Opera to perform Aida at New York’s Hippodrome Theater. Her impeccable Italian diction and stage presence left a lasting impact on American opera.