Issue: USA Porgy and Bess 1993 Stamp
Type: Stamp
Number of Stamps: 1
Stamps Denomination: 29 C,
Issue Date: 1993
Issued By: United States Postal Service (USPS)
A Tribute to American Folk Opera:
USA stamp honoring Porgy and Bess is more than a piece of postage it is a celebration of American theater and a bold tribute to cultural heritage. Issued on July 14, 1993 this stamp is part of the Broadway Musicals series by the United States Postal Service. It captures a dramatic moment from the opera emphasizing the depth of emotion and storytelling that define this legendary production. The artwork portrays the powerful human connections central to Porgy and Bess with rich colors and expressive poses that speak to the opera soul. It brings the legacy of Gershwin music to a new audience one envelope at a time.
A Bold Scene from a Timeless Stage Legacy of Passion and Performance:
Porgy and Bess is known for blending classical music with jazz and folk influences creating a sound uniquely American. Premiering in 1935 and set in the fictional Catfish Row the opera tells a story of love struggle and community within a Southern African-American neighborhood. This stamp is a nod to that legacy representing not only the art of performance but the cultural impact of the story itself. The scene illustrated on the stamp reflects themes of resilience and hope emotions deeply embedded in both the narrative and the history of the opera performers. With this release USPS spotlighted the role of Black artists and musicians who helped shape the American cultural landscape through this groundbreaking work.
Opera on a Postage Canvas Timeless Story Shared Across the Nation:
The Porgy and Bess stamp is a part of a broader effort to celebrate Broadway most influential productions. It allowed admirers of music theater and history to connect through a small yet meaningful medium. Whether collected by philatelists or sent across the country on letters and cards the stamp carried with it a piece of American theatrical brilliance. It transformed everyday mail into a tribute to storytelling and song, reminding us that art can travel far even by post.
