Atlanta Daily World

Ruby Elzy, Robeson Start John Henry Rehearsals
Young Soprano Has Role Of Julie Ann In John Henry

LOS ANGELES (ANP)—Ruby Elzy who made such a tremendous hit as soprano in the George Gershwin opera, "Porgy and Bess", now comes to New York to play the lead opposite Paul Robeson in the opera, "John Henry". Miss Elzy, one of the most promising of the younger sopranos, has been on the coast for the past two years filling radio and concert engagements and starring in the Hall Johnson folk-play, "Run Little Chillun".

Miss Elzy made her debut at Town Hall in New York City in 1937. Since that time she has been soloist for the New York Philharmonic orchestra and with the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra in the Hollywood Bowl. Was guest soloist at the White House when Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt entertained the wives or members of endurance crew their annual luncheon and musical. Appealed on the coast-to-coast international networks of the Columbia and the National Broadcasting system. Born in Pontotoc, Mississippi, near Ruston Springs. One morning she was in the art often, with J.C.M. at the bottom of children in Presbyterian duet then to her a scholarship. Ohio State gave a noted public school artist met style voice under Dr. Rosa H. In June she obtained a Rosenwald Fellowship attended the Institute of Musical Art in New York where she carried her vocal work with Mr. Lewis Dunham. While on the coast Miss Elzy was fortunate in securing Mme. Margaret Naumburg, noted grand opera diva, who coached her until Mme. Naumburg was called east to fill concert engagements. The role of Julie Ann which Miss Elzy will interpret marks the second time young singer has played with Paul Robeson. She has played with internationally famous baritone in the film version of O'Neill's "The Emperor Jones".