Delmar Loop in University City in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Robert McFerrin, Sr.

Born March 19, 1921

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 7, 2018

1. Robert McFerrin, Sr. Marker

Inscription. Baritone Robert McFerrin moved to St. Louis in 1936 and began classical voice training at Sumner High. He sang on Broadway and with the National Negro Opera Company, and in 1955 became the Metropolitan Opera's first African-American male soloist. McFerrin provided the vocals for Sidney Poitier in the 1959 film classic "Porgy and Bess," and toured and taught internationally before returning to St. Louis in 1973. A severe stroke in 1989 impaired his verbal ability but not his voice, and he courageously resumed performances, including concerts with his Grammy-winning son, Bobby. In 2003 Opera America honored Robert McFerrin, Sr. with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Erected 2004 by St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Missouri, St. Louis Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 38° 39.336′ N, 90° 18.124′ W. Marker is in University City, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in Delmar Loop. It is on Delmar Boulevard west of Limit Avenue,

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on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6358 Delmar Blvd, Saint Louis MO 63130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mary Wickes (a few steps from this marker); Visit The Loop! (a few steps from this marker); David Sanborn (a few steps from this marker); From Humble Beginnings, a World Class Street Is Born! (a few steps from this marker); Gerald Early (a few steps from this marker); Sally Benson (a few steps from this marker); Cool Papa Bell (a few steps from this marker); Ridley Pearson (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map

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of all markers in University City.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 13 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 12, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.