John McCormack - Definition and Overview

This article concerns the Irish tenor. For the U.S. political leader, see John William McCormack.

John McCormack (14 June, 1884 - 16 September, 1945), was a world-famous Irish tenor in the fields of opera and popular music, and renowned for his flawless diction and superb breath control.

John Francis McCormack was born in Athlone, Ireland. He started singing professionally in 1904. He made numerous recordings, the first on phonograph cylinder in 1904. His most commercially successful series of records were those for the Victor Talking Machine Company in the 1910s and 1920s. He also regularly broadcast on the radio and appeared in a number of sound films.

In 1917 he took United States citizenship.

In 1928 he received the title "Count" from Pope Pius XI in recognition of his work for Catholic charities. Although he often came to be referred to as "Count" John McCormack in his professional life, this title was only ever officially recognised within the Catholic Church. As an American citizen, he was prevented by American law from assuming any title bestowed by foreign governments or organisations.

McCormack retired in 1944, and died the following year in Dublin.

External links

• The John McCormack Society (http://www.mccormacksociety.co.uk/)
• McCormack on Tenorland.com (http://tenorland.com/mccormack.html)
• John McCormack Page on Jump.net (http://www.jump.net/~pwworth/) with discography