- Name: Barbara Hendricks
- Current Age: 73
- Occupation(s): Opera singer, Humanitarian
- Date of Birth: November 20, 1948
- Place of Birth: Stephens, Arkansas, USA
- Nationality: American
- Parents: John Hendricks (father), Laura Hendricks (mother)
- Spouse: Martin Engström
- Children: Isabel Engström, Jenny Engström
- Net Worth (2024): $25 million
- Source of Wealth: Opera performances, Recordings, Humanitarian work
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Notable Works: Acclaimed for her performances in operas such as "La Bohème," "Carmen," and "The Marriage of Figaro"
Early Life and Education
Barbara Hendricks was born on November 20, 1948, in Stephens, Arkansas. She showed an early talent for singing and received voice lessons growing up. Hendricks graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and chemistry at the young age of 20. She further pursued her passion for music by attending the Aspen Music Festival and School before studying at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York.
Career in Opera
In 1974, Hendricks made her professional operatic debut in Europe at the Glyndebourne Festival and in America at the San Francisco Opera. Throughout her career, she has graced the stages of major opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala. Hendricks has performed over twenty roles, with twelve of them being recorded for posterity.
Versatility in Music
Apart from her operatic career, Barbara Hendricks has also delved into jazz music, making her jazz debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1994. She has since performed at various jazz festivals globally. Hendricks is also known for her love of chamber music, having organized numerous chamber music festivals that showcase her versatility as a musician.
Humanitarian Work
Barbara Hendricks is not only a talented singer but also a dedicated humanitarian. In 1998, she founded the Barbara Hendricks Foundation for Peace and Reconciliation, aiming to facilitate reconciliation in conflict-ridden areas. She has performed in war-torn cities like Dubrovnik and Sarajevo, showcasing her commitment to using music as a tool for peace.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her illustrious career, Hendricks has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to music and humanitarian efforts. She was made a Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 1986 and awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts in 2000. In 2015, she received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, recognizing her outstanding achievements in the field.
Financial Insights:
As of 2024, Barbara Hendricks’ net worth is estimated to be $25 million. The primary sources of her wealth stem from her successful opera career, which includes performances at prestigious venues and recordings that have garnered international acclaim. Additionally, her humanitarian work and advocacy have further elevated her public profile and contributed to her financial success.
Barbara’s diverse portfolio of investments, coupled with her brand endorsements and ventures in the music industry, have also played a role in enhancing her financial standing. Her strategic partnerships and business acumen have allowed her to leverage her artistic talents into lucrative opportunities that have solidified her position as a respected figure in both the arts and philanthropy.
