A renowned baritone of the Metropolitan Opera, known for his rich voice and charismatic stage presence, starring in films and Broadway shows during the 1930s.
Lawrence Tibbett, the renowned American opera singer, recording artist, film actor, and radio personality, is best known for his powerful baritone voice and his impressive performances on the stages of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Tibbett's career spanned over three decades, during which he sang leading roles in over 600 performances at the Met, showcasing his versatility in a wide range of musical theatre roles. One of his most notable performances was as Captain Hook in the touring production of Peter Pan.
Born on November 16, 1896, in Bakersfield, California, Tibbett grew up in Los Angeles, where he earned money by singing in church choirs and at funerals. He graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1915 and later studied in New York City with Frank La Forge.
In 1923, at the age of 26, Tibbett signed his first contract with the Metropolitan Opera, earning $60 per week. The Met mistakenly added an extra "t" to his last name on the contract, which he decided to keep as his stage name. Over the years, he built a hugely successful career, impressing audiences with his outstanding voice, immaculate musicianship, and strong stage presence.
Tibbett's repertoire included iconic roles such as Valentin in Charles Gounod's Faust, Silvio and later Tonio in Ruggero Leoncavallo's Pagliacci, and the King's Herald in Richard Wagner's Lohengrin. His performance as Ford in Giuseppe Verdi's Falstaff earned him national recognition.
Tibbett received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music and theatre. He was awarded two honorary degrees, one from Harvard University and another from the University of Southern California.
Lawrence Tibbett's legacy extends beyond his impressive career. He inspired a new generation of opera singers and continues to be celebrated for his contribution to the world of music and theatre. His powerful voice and captivating stage presence remain an inspiration to artists and audiences alike.
Tibbett married his wife, Grace Mackay Smith, in 1919, and they had one son, Richard. During World War I, he served in the Merchant Marine, and later found employment singing as a prologue to silent movies at the Grauman Million Dollar Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
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