Jussi Björling

Johan Jonatan "Jussi" Björling (help·info) (sometimes spelled "Bjoerling" in English-language sources) (5 February 1911 – 9 September 1960) was a Swedish tenor who appeared frequently at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and other leading opera companies, Björling was one of the most prominent opera singers of the twentieth century. Björling was born in Borlänge, Dalarna in February 1911. The midwife's register shows he was born on 5 February; h... more

Johan Jonatan "Jussi" Björling (help·info) (sometimes spelled "Bjoerling" in English-language sources) (5 February 1911 – 9 September 1960) was a Swedish tenor who appeared frequently at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and other leading opera companies, Björling was one of the most prominent opera singers of the twentieth century. Björling was born in Borlänge, Dalarna in February 1911. The midwife's register shows he was born on 5 February; however, the church baptism records erroneously show 2 February, and this was the day on which he celebrated his birthday throughout his life. He was taught to sing by his father, David, an accomplished vocalist, and made his debut public appearance at the age of four with the Björling Male Quartet. The group performed in concerts throughout Sweden and the United States for eleven and a half years. Björling made his professional operatic debut as the Lamplighter in Manon Lescaut at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm in 1930. This was soon... less