Few voices in opera command the stage and captivate audiences like that of Angel Blue. In this special episode, recorded during the 2020 New Era Voice Festival, guest host Tracy Cox delves into the soprano’s career, philosophy, and artistic process. Through her own words, Angel offers a glimpse into her inspiring journey and shares invaluable…
Few voices in opera command the stage and captivate audiences like that of Angel Blue. In this special episode, recorded during the 2020 New Era Voice Festival, guest host Tracy Cox delves into the soprano’s career, philosophy, and artistic process. Through her own words, Angel offers a glimpse into her inspiring journey and shares invaluable lessons for artists and admirers alike.
“That’s why I sing.”
From her beginnings as Miss Hollywood and first runner-up to Miss California to gracing the stages of the world’s most celebrated opera houses, Angel Blue’s rise is a testament to talent, determination, and an unrelenting belief in joy. “My parents named me Angel Joy,” she shares, “and it’s hard to look at life without joy as part of my perspective.”
Angel credits her upbringing and father for much of her success. “My dad, Sylvester Blue, is the reason I sing,” she says. A talented baritone who studied at the Cleveland Conservatory, her father inspired her through his own love of music. “Every time I sing, I feel closer to him, even though he’s not here.”
Angel keeps her father’s legacy alive by surrounding herself with his recordings during practice. “He had a happiness that just exuded from him,” she recalls, adding, “I wanted that same joy, and it’s something I carry into my music every day.”
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Even with her effervescent personality, Angel is candid about facing doubts along the way. “There were moments where I thought, ‘It’s not going to happen. It’s just not going to happen for me,’” she admits. Yet she persevered, driven by a mindset she encourages others to adopt: “If you have it in your heart and a clear goal, it’s possible.”
Angel emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s own path. “Comparison is the thief of joy,” she asserts, cautioning against measuring oneself against others. Instead, she advises aspiring singers to “put on blinders” and stay committed to their unique vision.
“The book matters.”
When it comes to learning a new role, Angel takes a meticulous and deeply personal approach. “The book matters,” she declares, explaining how she interacts with her opera scores, folding pages, annotating, and highlighting every detail with vivid colors.
“I don’t like my music to look pristine,” she says with a laugh. “If my scores don’t have makeup stains or smudges, it means I haven’t lived with the music.” Her process begins with the text: “I treat it like a monologue. If I don’t know what I’m saying, then I’m not truly singing—it’s just a tune.”
Angel also immerses herself in the style and rhythm of each piece, especially when performing in Italian. “You’re singing in the style of the language,” she explains, noting how essential it is to capture the natural flow of words.
Favorite Roles
Among her many celebrated operatic roles, Violetta from Verdi’s La Traviata holds a special place in Angel’s heart. “It’s the most meaningful to me because I’ve admired it since I was a teenager. To finally perform Violetta feels like a dream realized.”
For sheer enjoyment, however, she turns to Puccini’s Tosca. “She’s spunky, stubborn, and knows what she wants—just like me,” Angel shares with a smile. She especially loves the drama of Act Two: “If I could only sing that act for the rest of my life, I’d be happy. It’s so intense and so much fun.”
“The Gift Goes On,” for aspiring singers
Angel’s remarkable career has taken her to the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, La Scala, and other storied venues. Her portrayal of Bess in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess at the Metropolitan Opera earned widespread acclaim, sealing her status as one of today’s leading operatic voices.
Despite her success, Angel remains grounded and committed to mentoring the next generation of artists. “If I can overcome obstacles and have the career I have today, then I know it’s possible for others.”
Angel’s advice to young singers is as heartfelt as it is practical: “Work hard, be patient, and stay positive. This career requires perseverance, but if you love it and put in the effort, the rewards are extraordinary.
She also emphasizes the transformative power of music. “My dad used to sing a song called, “The Gift Goes On.” That’s how I see my work—as a gift I can share with others. It’s what keeps me going.”
Podcast Highlights
In this episode, you’ll hear Angel reflect on:
- The influence of her father and her early exposure to classical music.
- Her strategies for learning roles, from Aida to La Bohème.
- Balancing the demands of an international career with her personal life.
- How positivity and resilience have shaped her career.
Through her voice, Angel Blue tells stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Her journey, marked by joy and resilience, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and opera lovers alike.
Listen Now
Immerse yourself in Angel’s world and discover the artistry, passion, and wisdom that define her extraordinary career.
