Jeanne Gordon

Ruby Gordon (1885-1952) in 1919

Ruby "Jeanne" Gordon (26 January 1885 – 22 February 1952) was a Canadian contralto opera singer active during the early 1900s.[1]

Biography

Gordon was born as Ruby May Gordon in Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada on 26 January 1885 to David Alexander Gordon (1858-1919) and Rose Fox (1867-1940).[2]

Ruby got her big break in July 1919. She was called to New York City and offered a three-year Metropolitan Opera contract by Giulio Gatti-Casazza. Shortly after signing her contract she changed her name to "Jeanne" Gordon. Her debut performance was as Azucena in Il trovatore on 22 November 1919.[1][3] In 1919, she created the roles of the Fairy and Mme Berlingot in L'oiseau bleu by Albert Wolff in its world premiere.[4] She made guest appearances with the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in 1928.

In 1933 she had a nervous breakdown.[5]

She died of a heart attack in Macon, Missouri on 22 February 1952.[1]

Recordings

Gordon recorded 78s for Columbia and Victor in the 1920s.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Jeanne Gordon, 59 Once Sang At 'Met'. Contralto With Company in 1920s Dies. Started Career With the Creatore Opera". New York Times. February 23, 1952.
  2. ↑ McPherson, James B.,"Gordon, Jeanne", The Canadian Encyclopedia
  3. ↑ Mann, Alan and Frank. Settlement on The Sydenham: The Story of Wallaceburg. Wallaceburg: Standard Press, 1984, 16-17.
  4. ↑ Metropolitan Opera, Gordon, Jeanne (Mezzo Soprano) MetOpera Database
  5. ↑ "Jeanne Gordon Suffers Breakdown". New York Times. May 4, 1933.
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