Sing for Your Life: A Story of Race, Music, and Family by Daniel Bergner

Sing for Your Life is a gripping narrative about race, music, and family by Daniel Bergner. The story traces the remarkable story of Ryan Speedo Green, a former juvenile offender and ex-convict who has developed an incredible passion for classical singing.

As a child growing up in the projects of Petersburg, Virginia surrounded by poverty and violence, Ryan’s future looked grim. Despite the hopelessness of his life, he distinctly remembers watching a music video of Donnie McClurkin’s “We Fall Down” and feeling overwhelmed with emotion.

From that moment on, Ryan found solace in music and dedicated his life to finding more meaning in singing. After weathering tumultuous years of street fighting and arrests, Ryan emerged from his prison cell with renewed purpose: to develop his singing talent. After spending time in a Virginia prison, he moved to New York City, studied classically, and has since won acclaim and accolades around the world.

Throughout the book, Bergner exposes Ryan’s often-painful journey towards redemption, highlighting the profound impact of race on his life choices. Despite suffering extreme racial prejudice and discrimination, Ryan persevered and is today a Metropolitan Opera star—the highest honor one can have in classical music.

Beyond the gripping story of Ryan’s successes and struggles, Bergner also examines the complex relationship between race and classical music. From the institutional racism faced by singer Jessye Norman to the limited access black singers have to quality music education and training, Sing for Your Life shines a light on these systemic issues that prevent musicians of color from thriving.

Throughout Sing for Your Life, Bergner paints a vivid portrait of Ryan Speedo Green, chronicling the astonishing highs and devastating lows he has faced. He also delves deep into Ryan’s relationships with his family, exploring the challenges of growing up black in America and how parents can best nurture and support their children.

Ultimately, Sing for Your Life is a heart-breaking yet inspiring account of Ryan Speedo Green’s journey and a passionate call to arms to fight racial injustice in the music industry. Bergner has crafted an unforgettable read that will speak to musicians and non-musicians alike.