Opera Singer. He received recognition as a tenor at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, performing for 30 years. He was the first American opera singer who did not have any training in Europe. With the warm graceful voice of a lyric tenor, he had a robust Italianate sound, in roles including Cavaradossi in "Tosca," Pinkerton in "Madama Butterfly," and Turiddu in "Cavalleria Rusticana." Later, he performed in dramatic tenor repertoire. Starting his vocal career, he first sang at church. He attended Bucknell University and had private singing lesson with various artists. His debut was with Chicago Grand Opera Company in "Faust" in New York City. His debut with the Metropolitan Opera was on November 23, 1912 in a small role in "The Magic Flute," which followed with a major part on March 19, 1913 as Grigory in "Boris Godunvo." He performed in a long list of operas and concerts during his career. In 1929 he made his first appearances at major European opera houses, appearing in first Germany at the Berlin Opera House, this followed with performances in Sweden. After a thirteen-year absence, he returned to the Met on February 26, 1933 and appearing annually for the next six years. He retired from the stage in 1945. He later became a voice teacher of several prominent singers. He married twice and had two daughters with his first wife before their 10-year long separation and divorce in 1930. From 1913 to 1932, he made 67 vinyl recordings with various companies, with several archived at the United States Library of Congress.
Opera Singer. He received recognition as a tenor at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, performing for 30 years. He was the first American opera singer who did not have any training in Europe. With the warm graceful voice of a lyric tenor, he had a robust Italianate sound, in roles including Cavaradossi in "Tosca," Pinkerton in "Madama Butterfly," and Turiddu in "Cavalleria Rusticana." Later, he performed in dramatic tenor repertoire. Starting his vocal career, he first sang at church. He attended Bucknell University and had private singing lesson with various artists. His debut was with Chicago Grand Opera Company in "Faust" in New York City. His debut with the Metropolitan Opera was on November 23, 1912 in a small role in "The Magic Flute," which followed with a major part on March 19, 1913 as Grigory in "Boris Godunvo." He performed in a long list of operas and concerts during his career. In 1929 he made his first appearances at major European opera houses, appearing in first Germany at the Berlin Opera House, this followed with performances in Sweden. After a thirteen-year absence, he returned to the Met on February 26, 1933 and appearing annually for the next six years. He retired from the stage in 1945. He later became a voice teacher of several prominent singers. He married twice and had two daughters with his first wife before their 10-year long separation and divorce in 1930. From 1913 to 1932, he made 67 vinyl recordings with various companies, with several archived at the United States Library of Congress.
Bio by: Linda Davis
Family Members
Advertisement
