Samuel Clark Stevenson

Samuel Clark Stevenson
Mr. Stevenson was born January 13, 1956 to Mrs. Sarah Mingo Stevenson and the late Mr. Robert Louis Stevenson, Sr. He attended the Charlotte public schools, and graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1974, where he was a member of the choir. From 1975-1977, Mr. Stevenson attended Alabama Lutheran Academy and College (presently Concordia college) in Selma, Alabama.
'Sammy,' as he was loving addressed, landed his first onstage speaking role in 1972, in a Central Piedmont Community College Summer Theater production of 'The Me Nobody Knows.' Mrs. Sarah Coleman, a family friend, introduced Mr. Stevenson to renowned Charlotte voice coach Frances Shafter, who was instrumental in his singing with the Charlotte Oratorio Singers, Opera Carolina, the Charlotte Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony, and the Charlottetown Players. Mrs. Shafter was so impressed with 'Sammy's' rich bass-baritone voice that she took him to Manhattan School of Music and the University of Cincinnati for auditions. 'Sammy' was offered full scholarships by both schools; he chose Cincinnati, where he remained for two years. He entered Manhattan School of Music, where he studied one and a half years. The passing of his father brought him back to Charlotte, where he worked with Opera Carolina and other companies. During this time, Mr. Stevenson also worked with Mrs. Vivian Williams to form the Double Oaks Boys Choir and became her assistant in this role. In 1985, 'Sammy' was first place winner of the local, district, and national Leontyne Price Vocal Arts Competition sponsored by the Charlotte Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.
Mr. Stevenson made his debut in Charlotte Opera's 1981 production of 'Porgy and Bess' in which he played the role of Jake, the undertaker. He also performed in 'The Wiz', 'Purlie', and 'God's Trombone'. 'Sammy' was then introduced by a friend and opera star, Dr. Elizabeth Peeler Graham, to Klein's Living Arts Agency of New York, where his tenure began, and he was elevated to the lead role of Porgy. He traveled all over the world with the Klein agency. As a member of the Grace Bumbry African-American Heritage Ensemble, 'Sammy' performed in the world famous Salzberg Festival, as well as other opera houses in Austria, Germany, and Carnegie Hall in New York. He also appeared with the Miami Opera, the Jacksonville Lyric Opera, and the Gainesville, Florida Opera. 'Sammy' shared his gift of music as a private voice teacher to several students in the Charlotte community.
In 2004, Mr. Stevenson became a soloist and voice instructor for the Church in the Round Singers at Myers Park United Methodist Church and specialist to Dr. Thomas Moore, Staff Associate. He remained in this position until his death.
Mr. Stevenson is survived by his mother, Sarah Mingo Stevenson, former Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board member and a long-time community activist; his son, Marcus LaTroy Bridges; one brother, Thomas Elbert Stevenson; two uncles, Wylie Mingo, Jr. and Edward L. Mingo; seven aunts, Rachel M. Addison (James), Ella Louise Burch (Charlie), Elloree M. Erwin, Izetta Barnes, Roberta M. Harris, Mildred Mingo-Kirkland (Grover C.), Queen E. Johnson and a host of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of Sammy's life will be Monday, January 23, 2006 at 6 PM - 8 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3001 Beatties Ford Road. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 24, at 2 PM at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, at Providence Road. Interment will follow at York Road Memorial Gardens.