James King was an esteemed American tenor, renowned for his exceptional performances in some of the grandest operas of the 19th and 20th centuries. Born on May 22, 1925, in Dodge City, Kansas, King developed a flourishing career that spanned several decades during the mid-20th century, particularly excelling in the robust roles of the Germanic repertoire.

King's voice was celebrated for its powerful, ringing quality that made him especially suited to the dramatic works of composers like Richard Wagner, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Strauss. His performances in masterpieces such as Wagner's "Die Walküre" and Beethoven's Symphony No.9 were met with critical acclaim, affirming his status as one of his generation's leading heroic tenors. His extensive discography includes live recordings from the Wiener Staatsoper, capturing the electric atmosphere of his live performances and his incredible ability to command the operatic stage.

Perhaps best remembered for his interpretations of the role of Siegmund in Wagner's "Die Walküre", King's career highlights extended to other Wagnerian roles such as Lohengrin and Parsifal, as well as the title role in Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos." Beyond German opera, he was also admired for his work in pieces like Mahler's "Das Lied von der Erde." King's legacy lives on through these performances, immortalized in recordings that continue to be cherished by opera aficionados around the world.

Genres

Classical Tenor

Wagnerian Singing

Latest Release

Jesus Take All of Me

James King

Single - Released May 28, 2022