How Opera Legend Limmie Pulliam Is Revitalizing the Music Industry

In our wide-ranging conversation, opera singer Limmie Pulliam joins me to trace his unbelievable rise from rural Missouri choirboy to gracing world stages like the LA Opera and the iconic Metropolitan Opera House. Limmie reveals the discrimination he once faced as a Black artist, with opera houses telling this gifted vocalist to lose 50 pounds before an audition.

After taking a 12-year hiatus from opera, Limmie returned more empowered to confront biases head-on. When the pandemic threatened his comeback, a chance Clubhouse friendship opened unexpected doors, from “kitchen concerts” to an offer from LA Opera soon having him make history singing lead roles no other Black man had at the Met.

Yet through dizzying career highs and deep personal losses, Limmie credits his family and friends for keeping him anchored through grief and self-doubt. His is a triumph of spirit, talent, and grace. Limmie teaches us that we must be ready when fortune shines on us, even in adversity. His perseverance through unimaginable barriers makes him an inspiration to me and a rare talent to watch.

Host: Daymond John

Producers: Beau Dozier & Shanelle Collins; Ted Kingsbery, Chauncey Bell, & Taryn Loftus

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