Marian Anderson, Easter 1939

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Marian Anderson performs at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, 1939.

"Seventy years ago, a concert took place on Easter at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. At least 75,000 people attended the performance, which was heard across the country on NBC Radio. The performer was opera singer Marian Anderson.

The location for the concert was not chosen for its audience capacity. Anderson had tried to book Constitution Hall, but the Daughters of the American Revolution, which owned the hall, refused to let her perform there because she was black.

First lady Eleanor Roosevelt interceded and arranged for the alternate venue." (more from NPR Weekend Edition Sunday, April 12, 2009)

Marian Anderson was one of the leading contraltos of the 20th century. If you haven't heard her, please give a listen: