McFerrin had distinguished himself in singing competitions earlier in life, but in 1953 he eclipsed these honors by winning the Metropolitan Opera's "Auditions of the Air", the first African-American to do so. During this time, it was usual for the winner of the "Auditions of the Air" to receive six months' training and a contract to sing at the Met. McFerrin received 13 months training but did not receive a contract. Helen L. Phillips, an African American lyric soprano, who had sung as a substitute chorus member for a Met Opera in 1947, is the only known African American singer to precede him.