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Mattiwilda Dobbs Obituary
The coloratura soprano was acclaimed for a vocal technique described as pure and resonant as a bell, lively interpretations and stage presence. She is credited with paving the way for other black opera singers including Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle.
"This is a tremendous loss for American music," said composer and former music professor T.J. Anderson of Atlanta. "She had a great deal of flexibility in her voice. Her voice was light and distinguished because of the clarity of it. Everything was precise. We have lost a gem."
Dobbs died Dec. 8 at her Atlanta home after a brief bout with cancer. She was 90. Read the news obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Mattiwilda Dobbs
20 Entries
Robinette Butler
July 20, 2016
My condolences to the family of my former voice professor. May God continue to strengthen and bless you.
Dobbs girls at June's graduation from Spelman. All 6 graduated from Spelman.
Carol Miller
March 21, 2016
I'm sure I speak for all the family when I say that we loved and admired Mattiwilda ("Geekie" to us) more than you can imagine. As children, she would make us up and dress us up so we could pretend to perform. She was always warm, nurturing, and, like all the Dobbs ladies, a great teacher! We miss her terribly!We thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy. We are consoled by her music which will remain forever!!
Carol Ann (Miller),Niece
Shelia Grimes
January 2, 2016
May God give you strength and comfort, always. I'm sorry for your lost.
Lydia Wynn
December 21, 2015
May the peace and love of God remain with your family always.
Edna Perez
December 19, 2015
To the Dobbs& Jackson Families, My condolences. I met Ms. Dobbs years ago when she came to FVSC to give a concert. I was her and her accompanist (Dr. Johnson) guide for that day. I even picked them up from the Macon Airport. When I saw these two Divas walking through the Airport (omg). The opitome of Class.
Marva Brooks
December 19, 2015
Rest in peace, dear Mattiwilda! You ran your race beautifully and finished the course in a way that brought honor to us all, none more so than your adoring nephew, Maynard Jackson, who was so justifiably proud of you. Thank you for being such a magnificent beacon for those who followed you.
Marva Jones Brooks
Wallace Cheatham
December 18, 2015
It was my great honor to write about Ms. Dobbs for my study "African American Women Singers at the Metropolitan Opera Before Leontyne Price."
The world has indeed lost a great artist, influential teacher, and gracious lady.
A full biography would be a major contribution to the literature.
Betty Wilson
December 18, 2015
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Dan Long
December 18, 2015
There will always be a special in my heart for you. Your graciousness and art made a great impact on my life. Thank you.
Kay Porter
December 18, 2015
The Metropolitan Atlanta Musicians Association of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc is thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember the loss of your family member and operatic singer, Mattiwilda Dobbs. Many of our members have many cherished and happy memories of a much celebrated life which brought wonderful musical concerts and performances to many here in Atlanta and the world. With love at this sad time, MAMA members will lift your family in prayer.
Kay Porter,
President, MAMA/NANM,Inc.
December 16, 2015
TO THE JACKSON CLEMENT DOBBS JORDAN FAMILY, THANK YOU GOD GIVING US SUCH A GREAT ARTIST SHE WILL BE MISS BE NEVER FOR GOT. Ronald Campbell Classical Singer Phila,Pa.
ATSCC Board
December 15, 2015
The Atlanta-Toulouse Sister Cities Committee (created by former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson) is saddened by the loss of the talented and special Mattiwilda Dobbs.
C. D.
December 14, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
B H
December 12, 2015
Sincere sympathy god will wipe out all tears from their eyes.
Pat
December 12, 2015
To the Dobbs family, please accept my condolences.
Annie
December 12, 2015
She brought joy to many with her music. May you know that God loves her and he keeps those who pass on in his memory because they are precious to him. Psalms 116:15.
P Blount Psalm 34:18)
December 12, 2015
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
December 12, 2015
May you find comfort through the loving support of family and close friends.---AH
TN
December 12, 2015
As you celebrate a life well-lived,(90yrs), may your hearts be filled with joy and laughter, as you recall all the "happy" times you shared together. (Psalm 90:10)
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