Enrico Caruso, the Italian tenor, was one of the most renowned singers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Enrico was born in Naples, Italy, on February 25th, 1873. He was the third of seven children of which only three survived. As Enrico grew older, it became apparent that he had a talent for singing. His mother, Anna, encouraged him to use his gifted voice. Ironically, his first voice teacher told him he would not succeed as a singer.
Enrico Caruso began his career in 1894. He made his operatic debut in L'Amico Francesco in 1895. His rich, unique voice captivated audiences. He made his American debut in 1902, in Rigoletto at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He became the leading tenor at the Metropolitan Opera House for seventeen years.
Caruso sang at several of the world's greatest opera houses. He was the best known opera star of his era and has been called the greatest singer of all time. Enrico Caruso studied under the tutelage of voice teacher, Guglielmo Vergine, and conductor, Vincenzo Lombardi. Caruso made over 260 recordings in an 18 month period. He earned millions from the 78 rpm recordings. In Caruso's time, the women were the opera stars but his rich, bold voice and style changed all that. He bridged the gap between the old style and the new.
In 1918, Enrico Caruso married Dorothy Park Benjamin. They had a daughter, Gloria, in 1919. Enrico Caruso also had two sons by soprano, Ada Giachetti. Caruso was popular and fans admired him. He was generous and often spent some of his earnings buying gifts for others. Enrico Caruso fell ill with pleurisy and died at the age of 48 in Naples. His remains are interred in a mausoleum at the cemetery of Santa Maria del Pianto. Enrico Caruso is still considered by many to be the greatest singer of all time. He voice and music still reverberate through the ages of history.
Enrico Caruso is still considered by many to be the greatest singer of all time. His rich powerful voice influenced operatic music style like not other. His timeless voice and music reverberate through the ages of history. He is remembered not only for his extraordinary voice but for his warm personality and generous nature. He was a hardworking individual who made his dream come true in a real rags to riches story.