Women in History · Head-to-head
Maria Callas vs Shirley Chisholm
Yes — based on their recorded years, Maria Callas (1923–1977) and Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
Maria Callas
Maria Callas was a Greek-American soprano widely regarded as one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century, celebrated for her dramatic interpretations and vocal range.
Key achievements
- Became renowned for her mastery of the bel canto vocal technique and dramatic stage interpretations.
- Revived interest in numerous forgotten operas from the bel canto repertoire.
- Performed at the world's leading opera houses, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera.
- Is widely regarded as one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century.
Fast fact
Callas is credited with reviving interest in the bel canto operatic repertoire, bringing forgotten 19th-century Italian operas back into the standard performance repertoire through her celebrated interpretations.
Full profile of Maria Callas →Shirley Chisholm
The first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, and the first Black candidate to seek a major party's presidential nomination.
Key achievements
- Became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968
- Represented New York's 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983
- Became the first Black candidate for a major party's presidential nomination in 1972
- Advocated throughout her career for civil rights, women's rights, and economic justice
Fast fact
Chisholm ran for the 1972 Democratic presidential nomination under the slogan 'unbought and unbossed,' becoming the first woman to seek the nomination of a major American political party.
Full profile of Shirley Chisholm →Who lived first, Maria Callas or Shirley Chisholm?
Maria Callas (1923–1977) lived first, before Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005), based on their recorded years.
Were Maria Callas and Shirley Chisholm contemporaries?
Yes — based on their recorded years, Maria Callas (1923–1977) and Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) were alive at the same time for at least part of their lives.
What do Maria Callas and Shirley Chisholm have in common?
Both Maria Callas and Shirley Chisholm are grouped among our Women in History figures and lived during the Modern Era.