Susan Graham
An American mezzo-soprano who brought charismatic authority and vocal warmth to French repertoire and contemporary opera roles.
Born 1960 (age 66)·American mezzo-soprano·Birthday: July 23·Baby Boomers
Biography
Susan Graham, a Texan with a voice of velvet and steel, ascended to the top tier of international opera with a combination of technical mastery and keen dramatic intelligence. While she commanded a wide range of parts, she became particularly cherished for her interpretations of French heroines, from the tragic grandeur of Berlioz's Dido to the nuanced complexities of Massenet's Charlotte. Composers took note of her compelling stage presence; John Harbison wrote the role of Isabel for her in 'The Great Gatsby,' and she originated parts in works by Jake Heggie, including the searing 'Dead Man Walking.' On the concert stage, her collaborations with conductors like John Nelson in Berlioz cycles were landmark events. Graham's career is defined by a rare blend of scholarly dedication to style and an immediately communicative, heartfelt performance energy.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Susan was born in 1960, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Susan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1960
#1 Movie
Swiss Family Robinson
Best Picture
The Apartment
#1 TV Show
Gunsmoke
Susan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1960Born
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1965Started school
US sends combat troops to Vietnam
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,600Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" — The Rolling StonesBest Picture: The Sound of Music
1973Became a teenager
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1976Could drive
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1978Could vote
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1981Turned 21
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1990Turned 30
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
2000Turned 40
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2010Turned 50
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2020Turned 60
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 66 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Awarded a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance for her album 'Poèmes de l'amour.'
- Created the role of Sister Helen Prejean in Jake Heggie's landmark opera 'Dead Man Walking.'
- Named a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour for her contributions to French culture and music.
- Recognized as a Metropolitan Opera regular, starring in numerous new productions and broadcasts.
Did You Know?
She is an avid fly-fisherwoman and often incorporates her travels for performances with fishing trips.
She studied at the Manhattan School of Music and was a member of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists.
Graham performed at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in 2001.
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