Chapter 9

Jenny Lind's American Debut, 1850

Summary

     The main players in this chapter are P.T Barnum, a showman and the mastermind behind Jenny Lind's U.S. tour, and Jenny Lind herself, an extremely talented, independent Swedish singer with the nickname "the Swedish Nightingale," who was very popular in Europe and whom Barnum wanted to bring to America in order to make some money and a name for himself. It cost him almost all his savings to bring her over, but he trusted that she would be a great hit, and he was right. From the moment Lind's ship touched New York's shores to the last incredible notes of her first show in the United States, tens of thousands of people were clamoring to see and hear her, more than the crowds for any other celebrity that had come to visit New York up to that point. The author discusses why this was, saying that, although she wasn't beautiful, Lind's face "shone like that of an angel" when she sang, and her purity and emotion was very appealing (140). He also thinks that she could have had such a tremendous impact because she came at a time when America was very tumultuous and divided; she provided a much-needed distraction.

      There was much commotion in the days leading up to her first show, including an expensive auction for tickets and a change of venue to an opera house called Castle Garden. When she finally stepped out on the stage to an audience of thousands, it was a life-changing experience for all who attended, and what made it especially great was that Lind chose to donate all the money she made from the concert to charity. P.T Barnum's decision to bring her to the U.S. was a great one for everyone.

Reflection

      When I read about how moved Jenny Lind's audiences were when they heard her sing, and how hundreds of men tried to break into Castle Garden just to hear her, I immediately tried to think of who could be her modern-day comparison. Strangely, I couldn't think of anyone who fit the bill. Yes, thousands of screaming fans would do anything to get close to Justin Bieber, but somehow I don't think it's the same. They're not trying to hear him sing because his voice is like a miracle, or because he simply lights up when he sings, or because he embodies romances like wild songbirds or the far North (141). They want to see him because he's hot! I don't think there has ever really been a singer that has had such an effect on America since Jenny Lind, and I actually wish I could have been there as well.