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John Charles Thomas

Biography

A normal presence on American radio (Edgar Bergen/Charlie McCarthy described him as “that famous trio, John, Charles, and Thomas”), baritone John Charles Thomas was equally marvelous within the opera house. Blessed having a superlative device, Thomas was completely been trained in vocal technique, dignified to look at, and immaculately processed in sound. Amazing within the Italian repertory, he was similarly suitable for the French repertory, where his ripe, unforced audio gave even more vocal effect than that supplied by most performers of French source. As his dad was a Methodist minister, Thomas frequently attended camp conferences where he was prompted to sing. After participating in Conway Hall in Carlisle, PA, he made a decision to become doctor and enrolled on the Baltimore Medical College. Having inserted a 1909 tone of voice competition whose award was a scholarship or grant to Peabody Conservatory, Thomas discovered himself the champion and instead inserted the conservatory. There, he started his research with Blanche Blackman, afterwards dealing with Adelin Fermin. His profession took him initial into operetta, in 1914 to Gilbert & Sullivan, and shortly to such various other popular functions as Maytime and Apple Blossoms. Despite great testimonials and appreciative viewers, Thomas chaffed beneath the routine, locating the monotony, in his very own words, “intolerable.” He continued to be in musical humor only to amass the amount of money needed to take on a concert profession. His concert debut occurred in 1918, however the changeover to critical music was a secured one. An area Washington, D.C., opera firm supplied the stage for his 1924 operatic debut simply because Amonasro. The next season, he embarked on a concert tour. Whilst in European countries in 1925, Thomas sang an audition on the Théâtre de la Monnaie and was provided a agreement. The baritone vacillated for many months, not specific whether he wanted to make concert function supplementary in his long term plans. In the long run, he authorized and produced his Western stage debut as Herod in Massenet’s Hérodiade. His overall performance in Brussels was therefore well-received that his agreement was prolonged for yet another 3 years. Among Thomas’ 15 projects there was the entire world premiere of Milhaud’s Les Malheurs d’Orphée. His Covent Backyard debut as Valentin on Feb 22, 1928, provoked the ire of Feodor Chaliapin, the Méphistophélès, whose applause was less than the baritone’s. Through the early ’30s, debuts at main American houses adopted in quick succession. On November 6, 1930, his Chicago debut as Tonio stirred among biggest firestorms because the 1st appearance of Galli-Curci in the town. SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA also noticed Thomas for the very first time in 1930; there, his introductory part was Jochanaan. On Feb 2, 1934, the designer produced his Metropolitan Opera debut, performing (and performing) a poised and mellifluous Elder Germont. The departure of Gatti-Casazza and access of Edward Johnson as general supervisor resulted in improved opportunities in NY where in fact the singer’s gallery of portraits, including an effervescent, occasionally over-boisterous Figaro and a completely realized, superbly sung Rigoletto. During his nine many years of support in the Metropolitan, Thomas sang too little performances, just 35 looks in nine jobs. Thomas’ recordings, though too little in amount, confirm the completely integrated, silken audio of his sizeable baritone. Whether arias, ditties (critical or funny), or traditional hymns, every item he documented was treated to probably the most respectful interpretation, as well as the arresting expert of a really magnificent voice.

Quick Facts


Date Of Birth September 6, 1891
Died December 13, 1960, Apple Valley, California, United States
Profession Opera Singer
Education Peabody Institute
Music Songs Bendemeer's Stream, The Green Eyed Dragon, When I Was a Lad, There is No Death, Largo Al Factotum, Sailormen, Love Can Be Dreamed & Mine Alone, Will You Remember, My Journey's End, Mah Lindy Lou, Gwine to Hebb'In, Lord Randall, Vision fugitive, Der Zigeunerbaron: Love Can Be Dreamed - Mine Alone, Der Zigeunerbaron: Open Road, Sing a Song of Sixpence, Take Me Back to My Boots and Saddles, I Love Life, Ev'ry Time I Feel de Spirit, Annie Laurie, Open Road, Open Sky, Chanson Triste, In Questa Tomba Oscura, The Last Time I Saw Paris, In The Gloaming, Il barbiere di Siviglia: Largo al factotum, Der Tapfere Soldat "The Chocolate Soldier": My Hero, The Bluebird of Happiness, I Passed By Your Window, Traditional: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Andrea Chénier: Nemico della patria, The Heart Bow'd Down
Albums Will You Remember?, Come Ye Faithful, 3 Great Tenors, Bluebird of Happiness, John Charles Thomas in Opera and Song


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Actor

Actor

TitleYearStatusCharacter
Music in the Sky 1945 Short John Charles Thomas
Great Day 1930 Leading Male
Will You Remember? 1929 Short Singer
Under the Red Robe 1923 Gil De Berault

Soundtrack

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacter
You Bet Your Life 1957 TV Series performer - 2 episodes
Will You Remember? 1929 Short performer: "Will You Remember"
John Charles Thomas 1927 Short performer: "Danny Deever", "In the Gloaming"

Self

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacter
You Bet Your Life 1957 TV Series Himself - Operatic Baritone
Cavalcade of Stars 1950 TV Series Himself - Guest Vocalist
The Ed Wynn Show 1950 TV Series Himself
John Charles Thomas 1927 Short Himself / Singer

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