Opera Singer. Considered one of the great voices of the 20th century, he made his operatic debut at Covent Garden in 1907 at the age of 23. His long recording career began in the acoustic era in 1904 and continued into electronic recording before ending in 1941. For a time he recorded ballads, contemporary songs and opera arias. McCormack left opera in 1923 to focus his career singing Irish ballads and popular songs of the day, both in recordings and in concert. As his fame and popularity grew, he came to be referred to as the "Voice of Ireland." He developed a deep love for America and became a citizen in 1919. During World Wars I & II, he donated thousands of dollars in concert proceeds to the war effort. Always a religious man, John was made a Papal Count in 1928. He made his motion picture debut in 1929 starring in "Song-O-My-Heart" which featured a wonderful concert sequence and openly displayed the talents of his friend & accompanist Edwin "Teddy" Schneider. The film also introduced newcomer Maureen O'Sullivan, who became famous in the "Tarzan" films of the 1930's and 40's. The U.S. Post Office posthumously honored John in 1984 when he was included in their "Performing Artists" series of postage stamps. John McCormack died of Pneumonia at his home in Booterstown, Ireland.
Opera Singer. Considered one of the great voices of the 20th century, he made his operatic debut at Covent Garden in 1907 at the age of 23. His long recording career began in the acoustic era in 1904 and continued into electronic recording before ending in 1941. For a time he recorded ballads, contemporary songs and opera arias. McCormack left opera in 1923 to focus his career singing Irish ballads and popular songs of the day, both in recordings and in concert. As his fame and popularity grew, he came to be referred to as the "Voice of Ireland." He developed a deep love for America and became a citizen in 1919. During World Wars I & II, he donated thousands of dollars in concert proceeds to the war effort. Always a religious man, John was made a Papal Count in 1928. He made his motion picture debut in 1929 starring in "Song-O-My-Heart" which featured a wonderful concert sequence and openly displayed the talents of his friend & accompanist Edwin "Teddy" Schneider. The film also introduced newcomer Maureen O'Sullivan, who became famous in the "Tarzan" films of the 1930's and 40's. The U.S. Post Office posthumously honored John in 1984 when he was included in their "Performing Artists" series of postage stamps. John McCormack died of Pneumonia at his home in Booterstown, Ireland.
Bio by: Tom Nichols
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