Who are some of Grace Bumbry family members?

Answer 1

My name is Kenneth Billups JR.. My father, Kenneth Billups Sr., was Grace Bumbry's high school vocal music teacher. He was a very instrumental part of her early years. We lived down the street from Grace and her family on Bartmer St. in St. Louis. I was just a kid when I would wake up on Saturday mornings to her voice. She would come to the house for voice lessons with my father. Grace had a brother named Charles. I believe he was the elder. Being much younger, the family details didn't interest me. I remember I called her mother and father Mr. and Mrs. Bumbry when passing by their house on the way to the schoolyard on the corner, where we played sports daily. I was a shy child, so that was the extent of our conversation. As always, I would simply peek through the window pane doors of the "music room" on my way out to play - just to see who was singing at the time. Although I'm certain Grace and I exchanged pleasantries, I really don't recall any in particular. I would occasionally see Charles, but rarely spoke to him directly. I moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles in 1976 . I really don't know much regarding the status of any family members. I would imagine both parents are deceased. I'll speak to my siblings and others and will respond further.