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Lawrence Tibbett

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Lawrence Tibbett was an American opera singer, born in Bakersfield, California, in 1896. His father, a deputy sheriff, was shot dead in 1903. Tibbett grew up in Los Angeles and earned money by singing in church choirs and at funerals. After the First World War he sang in a cinema showing silent films, and he studied in New York with Frank La Forge. In 1923 he signed his first contract with the Metropolitan Opera. Through a mistake his name acquired an extra t, and he kept that spelling.

Music and breakthrough

From 1923 to 1950 he sang leading roles at the Met more than six hundred times. He sang, among others, Valentin in Faust, Tonio in Pagliacci and the Herald in Lohengrin. His national breakthrough came with the role of Ford in Verdi's Falstaff. He toured Europe and Australia and also did musical theatre and radio. His first film, The Rogue Song from 1930, earned an Oscar nomination for best actor. From 1926 he made his recordings exclusively for Victor, later RCA Victor, including excerpts from Porgy and Bess.

Influence

Tibbett was a baritone with a large, deep, dark voice, which could range from powerful forte to delicate pianissimo. He combined a beautiful voice with great musicality and a strong stage presence. As an American who built a complete career in his own country, he was one of the first great American opera stars who also reached the wider public through film and radio.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to his recording of excerpts from Porgy and Bess and notice the dark, full tone of his voice and how he can also make it sound soft.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists