Metropolitan Opera star who was also known for singing the national anthem at Yankee Stadium. Born the son of shoe salesman Abraham Merrill and Lillian Balaban, a Polish opera star who guided him through his early musical training. Merrill made his operatic debut in 1944, singing Amonasro in "Aida" in Trenton, New Jersey. Joined the Metropolitan Opera in 1945 and debuted there as the elder Germont in "La Traviata." In 31 consecutive seasons with the Metropolitan Opera, he performed almost every baritone role in the operatic repertoire, including Escamillo in Carmen and Figaro in The Barber of Seville. Also sang with popular stars from Frank Sinatra to Louis Armstrong, appeared worldwide at music festivals and made numerous recordings. He soloed with many great conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, and made appearances for several presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. Retired from the Met in 1976 but returned in 1983, to help celebrate its centennial. Died of natural causes at home in New Rochelle, New York, watching game 1 of the 2004 World Series.
Metropolitan Opera star who was also known for singing the national anthem at Yankee Stadium. Born the son of shoe salesman Abraham Merrill and Lillian Balaban, a Polish opera star who guided him through his early musical training. Merrill made his operatic debut in 1944, singing Amonasro in "Aida" in Trenton, New Jersey. Joined the Metropolitan Opera in 1945 and debuted there as the elder Germont in "La Traviata." In 31 consecutive seasons with the Metropolitan Opera, he performed almost every baritone role in the operatic repertoire, including Escamillo in Carmen and Figaro in The Barber of Seville. Also sang with popular stars from Frank Sinatra to Louis Armstrong, appeared worldwide at music festivals and made numerous recordings. He soloed with many great conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, and made appearances for several presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. Retired from the Met in 1976 but returned in 1983, to help celebrate its centennial. Died of natural causes at home in New Rochelle, New York, watching game 1 of the 2004 World Series.
Bio by: Fred Beisser
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