Beverly Sills

Beverly Sills (1929–2007) was an American operatic soprano and arts administrator. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she became one of the best-known U.S. opera stars of the 1960s and 1970s, celebrated for her coloratura roles. She was closely associated with New York City Opera, where she achieved major success and later served as general director (1979–1989). After retiring from singing, she led major cultural institutions, including as chair of Lincoln Center and as chairman of the Metropolitan Opera. Sills also served as a public advocate for the arts and received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.