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An enthralling and beautifully told story that will surely become an instant classic. — Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Personal Librarian

“A dazzling rediscovery—how have we overlooked Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield for so long? This unforgettable singer, born enslaved yet taking stages by storm across America and Europe on the eve of the Civil War, finally receives the recognition she deserves.”—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The First Ladies

In the era before the American Civil War, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield was the undisputed star of Northern concert halls, astonishing audiences around the world—including a remarkable performance at London’s Buckingham Palace. Acclaimed novelist Tiffany L. Warren now brilliantly shares the compelling, little-known story of this extraordinary woman whose powerful voice captivated a world.

Born into slavery on a rural Mississippi plantation, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield was rescued and raised in comfort by a wealthy adoptive mother within the supportive Quaker enclave of Philadelphia. Throughout childhood, Elizabeth—or Eliza as she was affectionately known—enjoyed an education and upbringing filled with wonder and music. Possessed of an incredible three-octave singing range and a voice that stirred souls, she seemed destined for a life of artistic greatness. Yet when her adoptive mother passes away just as Eliza turns twenty-four, her safe world crumbles around her.

Suddenly locked in a fierce inheritance battle against her mother’s white relatives, Eliza faces a difficult choice. She could reluctantly marry her longtime suitor, Lucien, and abandon her passion to settle into domestic life, or accept a modest, respectable position as a tutor to wealthy families. Her late mother’s last wish—to pursue her gift professionally and dazzle the world—seems heartbreakingly impossible now.

But then, a chance performance aboard a riverboat bound for Buffalo, New York changes everything, leading to an unforeseen opportunity Eliza swiftly embraces. Within a year, she is headlining sold-out concerts across America, astounding audiences and sparking heated debate wherever she performs. At a time when the nation is enthralled by popular soprano Jenny Lind—nicknamed “The Swedish Nightingale”—promoters dub Eliza “The Black Swan,” highlighting both her remarkable talent and her striking differences as a tall, full-figured Black woman among Europe’s petite, fair-skinned opera stars. Even her fiercest critics cannot deny her astonishing voice, yet as Eliza rises to fame, she boldly confronts dangers at every turn—racist mobs in cities, slave-catchers intent on kidnapping free African Americans, and deeply entrenched prejudice at every concert hall door.

From Philadelphia’s quiet churches to Queen Victoria’s majestic palace, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield will carve out a place in history few could have imagined—singing proudly for all the world to hear in a powerful journey of talent, courage, and determination.