John McCormack

Date of Birth: June 14, 1884

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: September 16, 1945

Biography

John McCormack was an Irish tenor celebrated for his exceptional vocal talent and extensive career in both operatic and popular music. Born in Athlone, Ireland, McCormack became one of the most acclaimed tenors of the early 20th century. After winning first prize at the Feis Ceoil in Dublin in 1903, his career took off, leading him to study in Italy under Vincenzo Sabatini. His debut in opera came in 1906 in Savona, Italy, and he quickly gained fame for his performances in major opera houses around the world, including Covent Garden in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. McCormack was known not just for his beautiful voice but also for his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. He retired from the opera stage in 1923 but continued to perform in concerts and recitals until his final performance in 1943.

5 Interesting Facts about John McCormack

1. John McCormack was the first singer to record the song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” which became one of the most popular songs of World War I.

2. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1919.

3. McCormack was one of the first musicians to extensively use the recording studio, leaving behind an impressive catalog of over 800 recordings.

4. He was knighted by Pope Pius XI in 1928, receiving the title of Papal Count for his contributions to music and charity.

5. McCormack was a close friend of fellow Irishman and poet William Butler Yeats, and he often performed settings of Yeats’ poems.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John McCormack

1. “I sing from the heart, not from the head.”

2. “Music brings people together, it speaks to the soul.”

3. “Every note I sing is a prayer.”

4. “The voice is a beautiful instrument, but it must be cared for with the utmost dedication.”

5. “A singer must always strive for perfection, even if it is never fully attainable.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, John McCormack’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million, which would be equivalent to approximately $120 million today when adjusted for inflation.