Manuscript of Shirley Verrett interview written by Lisa Hoffman

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

One (1) 28-page typescript draft for the story of opera singer Shirley Verrett, written by Lisa Hoffman, 1968. This manuscript features black typewritten text throughout and is a narration of the personal interview of Shirley Verrett and her husband Louis Lo Monaco, at their home on Riverside Drive, New York City. On pages 1 through 6 (a-f), Hoffman recounts the casual interview conversation with Verrett and Lo Monaco about makeup, fashion, health, and the couple’s familial backgrounds. On pages 6 through 14 (f-n), the conversation shifts to focus on Verrett’s upbringing between New Orleans and Los Angeles, her college years, musical experiences, and the start of her musical successes, upon moving to New York. On pages 14 through 28 (f-bb), the conversation shifts again to the subject of Verrett and Lo Monaco’s relationship, Verrett’s journey in healing through communication, and the couple’s friendships. There are self-editing marks by Lisa Hoffman throughout.

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