Opera star had to leave Southern hometown to fully practice his craft

Internationally famous opera star Allan Evans was born in Macon in 1941. Fortunately, in an age of Jim Crow, Evans’ vocal gifts were recognized, and the bass-baritone received a scholarship to the Juilliard School.

Like many talented black men of that era, he realized that he would have to leave the country to fully practice his craft. Evans has performed to great acclaim throughout Europe and was declared “Kammersanger” by the German government. He is revered for his frequent visits home to inspire local youth.

This story was originally published November 16, 2016 at 9:17 AM with the headline "Opera star had to leave Southern hometown to fully practice his craft."