Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing author, Lisa K. Winkler. She is the author of Gershwin's Bess , which is a biographical novel of African American opera singer, Anne Brown, who originated the role of Bess in George Gershwin's opera, Porgy and Bess . In this interview, we discussed why Anne Brown is a trailblazing figure. We also discussed opera, especially on how there is a large disparity of African American opera singers and on whether opera is dying art. Thank you, Mrs. Winkler! What inspired you to write Gershwin’s Bess ? Gershwin’s Bess began life as a short play I wrote for 365 Women’s Play Writing. https://365womenayear.wordpress.com/about-project-365/ . I had written two plays and was looking for inspiration for my next play. The site has a data base of women who hadn’t yet been written about and I started googling. The names were listed in alphabetical order by first name. Anne Wiggins Brown caught my attention. I immediately began to...
Gershwin’s Bess Author: Lisa K. Winkler Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Atmosphere Press Book Release Date: June 9, 2026 Pages: 328 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From Baltimore to New York City, soprano Anne Wiggins Brown refuses to be silenced. Encouraged by her mother and undeterred by a father who insists on “sensible” ambitions, Anne pursues her passion for opera amid heartbreak, prejudice, and the trials of the world in the late 1920s–1930s. In Gershwin’s Bess , Anne perseveres and navigates the competitive world of Juilliard, a failed marriage, and the racism that denies her access to traditional stages. George Gershwin’s plans to write an opera starring all “Negroes” present an opportunity she can’t afford to lose. From her first audition to opening night two years later, she becomes an integral part in the creative process, singing melodies and lyrics as Gershwin writes them. When Anne lands...