Lawrence Tibbett was a powerhouse American baritone who lit up both opera stages and silver screens in the early 20th century. Born in 1896, he became a star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, wowing audiences with his rich voice and dramatic intensity in roles like Iago in *Verdi: Otello* (not listed here but career-defining) and the titular *Rigoletto*. His recordings, like those in *Lebendige Vergangenheit - Lawrence Tibbett* and *The Art of the Verdi-Baritone*, showcase his velvet-toned versatility in everything from fiery opera arias to soulful spirituals (*De Glory Road*). A true crossover artist, Tibbett also charmed Hollywood in musical films and became a radio personality, bringing opera to mainstream audiences long before it was cool. Though his career slowed after a 1950 car accident, his legacy as one of America’s first internationally celebrated opera stars remains untarnished.
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