Lawrence Winters

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Lawrence Winters (1915–1965), baritone, was an African American opera singer during the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s. He graduated with a Bachelors degree in Music from Howard University studying with Todd Duncan. His music career then began singing with the Eva Jessye Choir. In a concert production of Clarence Cameron White's Ouranga he then sang the lead role. Following this he became musical director in the Special Services Division at Fort Huachuca as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

His official concert debut was in 1947 at the Town Hall of New York. Then, in 1948, he debuted as an opera singer in the New York City Opera in Verdi's Aida as Amonasro. Winters toured as a concert artist and appeared in musicals such as the original 1946 production of Call Me Mister. (His role was played in the 1951 film version by Bobby Short.) In 1951,Winters sang the role of Porgy in the most complete recording of Porgy and Bess made up to that time. He debuted in European opera reprising his role in Aida in 1952 with the Hamburg State Opera, becoming principal baritone with the company in 1961 until his death in 1965.

[edit] References

The Music of Black Americans: A History. Eileen Southern. W. W. Norton & Company; 3rd edition. ISBN 0-393-97141-4

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