Marjorie Lawrence

Marjorie Lawrence (1907-1979) was an Australian operatic soprano whose powerful voice and dramatic intensity made her a star of the 1930s and 1940s. Known for her commanding Wagnerian roles like Brünnhilde in *Die Walküre*, she brought fiery energy to opera stages worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera and Paris Opera. Her career took an inspiring turn when she contracted polio in 1941 at the height of her fame, temporarily paralyzing her legs. Defying expectations, she relearned her craft while seated and returned to performing, earning admiration for her resilience.

Beyond opera, Lawrence’s story reached broader audiences through her autobiography *Interrupted Melody* (1949), later adapted into a Hollywood film. Her recordings, like the live *Un bel dì vedremo* from *Madama Butterfly* (featured in *Genius MLK/X*), capture her emotive style. Though her career was cut short by illness, she left a legacy as both a vocal powerhouse and a symbol of determination. Fun fact: She once performed the *Ring Cycle*’s “Hojo-toho!” battle cry while literally lying on her back mid-performance—proof that nothing could dim her dramatic flair!

Genres

Opera

Latest Release

Un bel dì vedremo (As heard in the series "Genius MLK / X") [Live]

Nicola D'Agostino•

Marjorie Lawrence

Single - Released March 13, 2024