Ivory Winston

Ivory Winston (August 11, 1911 – August 6, 1996) was an African-American singer. She sang for President Harry S. Truman, Governor William S. Beardsley, and others. She was named "Iowa's First Lady of Song."

Career Winston's recital debut was in May 1946 at Ottumwa Heights College. She sang at Harry S. Truman's birthday, during his presidential campaign throughout the Midwestern United States. At Drake University in June 1950, Winston had one of the top rankings at a music festival that was hosted by The Des Moines Register. She sang her song in July 1950 at a Republican Convention in Des Moines, in which she performed for Iowa Republicans and Governor William S. Beardsley. Winston won at the Iowa Greater Talent Search and won a radio competition that was aired nationally. She was a coloratura soprano. When her children grew up, her daughter played the violin for her while her son played the cello. Despite her success, Winston and her family faced racism while moving to a different Ottumwa neighborhood due to a petition against them moving. The African American Museum of Iowa holds photographs of Winston, including her in a 1951 performance, and the University of Iowa holds papers relating to her career.