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

A New York Times Notable Book

A Washington Post Notable Book

A Publishers Weekly Book of the Year

As seen on CBS This Morning, NPRs Fresh Air, and People Magazine

A New York Times Book Review Editors Choice
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Library Journal Nonfiction Pick of September

The New York Times bestseller about a young black mans journey from violence and despair to the threshold of stardom. A beautiful tribute to the power of good teachers.--Terry Gross, Fresh Air

One of the most inspiring stories Ive come across in a long time.--Pamela Paul, New York Times Book Review

Ryan Speedo Green had a tough upbringing in southeastern Virginia: his family lived in a trailer park and later a bullet-riddled house across the street from drug dealers. His father was absent; his mother was volatile and abusive.

At the age of twelve, Ryan was sent to Virginias juvenile facility of last resort. He was placed in solitary confinement. He was uncontrollable, uncontainable, with little hope for the future.

In 2011, at the age of twenty-four, Ryan won a nationwide competition hosted by New Yorks Metropolitan Opera, beating out 1,200 other talented singers. Today, he is a rising star performing major roles at the Met and Europes most prestigious opera houses.