"One of the great artists of our time."
––Luciano Pavarotti

"A treasure in the world of opera."
––Plácido Domingo

"We are fortunate to have this book about an artist whom it has been my great honor to have known and worked with since my youngest days. Not only will Verdi’s Lux aeterna remain imbedded in my musical memories forever as Shirley Verrett first sang it in Los Angeles, but so will our last music-making together, the recording of Il Trovatore. It seemed to round off a perfect relationship between two friends who have musically complemented each other for years."
–Zubin Mehta

"My collaboration with Shirley Verrett dates back to when I conducted Verdi’s Don Carlo at Covent Garden and she sang her first Eboli with resounding success. Another even more difficult Verdi role brought her an even greater triumph. It had taken me some years to persuade her to try Lady Macbeth, and she electrified Europe as she sang the part for the first time at La Scala di Milano. After the opening, the crowd was so enthusiastic that we thought Shirley might have to spend the night at the theater, signing autographs. These are only highlights. Shirley Verrett is a wonderful musician, a great artist, and a dear friend. It gives me great pleasure to add these few words to celebrate her autobiography."
–Claudio Abbado