James DePreist

Memoir, love story and poetry intertwine in a new book about the life and career of conductor James DePreist — written by his widow, Ginette DePreist, who recently spoke with Susan Lewis for WRTI.

The nephew of African-American contralto Marian Anderson was a trailblazer in his own right, an acclaimed conductor in an age when few black men led major orchestras. His international performing, recording and teaching career blossomed despite significant physical challenges.