The name La Julia Rhea might not sound familiar to most, but she’s a pioneering artist, and a true Chicago original.
She was the first Black Opera singer to break the color barrier, performing at the Civic Opera House in Chicago.
Chicagoan Jimmy Nuter, who salvages old homes, discovered some artifacts relating to her when working in a home in Blue Island in 2021. The home once belonged to Ms. Rhea.
Larry Potash has the Backstory.
Backstory airs Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and Sunday nights at 11 p.m. on WGN-TV and on the WGN+ app, available on Amazon, Roku, Apple TV, and any smart TV.
Check out the Backstory podcast at WGNtv.com/Backstory via Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.
