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(CNN) - International opera star Jessye Norman died Monday at the age of 74, according to her agent.
The New York Metropolitan Opera described Norman as "one of the great sopranos of the last half century."
"Norman sang in more than 80 performances with the company, dazzling the audience with his beautiful tone, extraordinary power and musical sensitivity," the Metropolitan Opera said in a statement.
Norman won four Grammy Awards and a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2006.
"Jessye Norman was one of the best artists who performed on our stage," said the general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, Peter Gelb. "His legacy will live forever."
A rich legacy
Norman was born on September 15, 1945 in Augusta, Georgia, according to the nonprofit research and education institution History Makers.
The Metropolitan Opera, which expressed its condolences to Norman's family and friends, said that "perhaps he will be better remembered for his glorious and definitive representation of Ariadne auf Naxos de Strauss," an opera he performed in 1993, according to History Makers.
Jessye Norman performing in 1984 in New York.
Musicians and celebrities mourn his death
Norman had a great influence on many musicians and had many fans internationally, many of whom shared their condolences on social networks.
Actress and singer Audra McDonald tweeted that Norman was "from another world."
Singer and songwriter Rufus Wainwright tweeted that “the world has lost one of the best voices we've had and heard. She gave herself to us. ”
Pianist and composer Jason Moran thanked Norman on Twitter for his voice.
“The phrases he sang filled the atmosphere. With deep thanks, ”Moran tweeted.
Musician Questlove said on Instagram: “May your soul rest in God, Queen Jessye. #JessyeNorman. "
The Canadian Opera Company tweeted that Norman's death was "a great loss to the world of opera."
"Thank you for sharing your amazing gift with all of us, Mrs. Norman," the company tweeted.
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