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James Naughton is a renowned American actor, singer, and director who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on December 6, 1945, in Middletown, Connecticut, Naughton grew up in a family that valued the arts. His father, James Naughton Sr., was a successful businessman and a talented singer, while his mother, Rosemary Walsh, was a homemaker who loved music and theater. Naughton's interest in music began at an early age, and he started taking piano lessons when he was just six years old. He also sang in his church choir and participated in school musicals. However, it wasn't until he attended Brown University that he discovered his true passion for classical music. While studying theater at Brown, Naughton took voice lessons and began performing in operas and musicals. After graduating from Brown in 1967, Naughton moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting and singing. He quickly landed roles in several off-Broadway productions, including "The Fantasticks" and "Man of La Mancha." In 1970, he made his Broadway debut in the musical "I Love My Wife," which earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Over the next few years, Naughton continued to work on Broadway, appearing in productions such as "Whose Life Is It Anyway?" and "Chicago." He also began to establish himself as a recording artist, releasing several albums of popular and classical music. In 1980, he won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for his narration of "The Great White Hope." In the 1990s, Naughton shifted his focus to directing, helming productions of "Our Town" and "The Price" on Broadway. However, he continued to perform as a singer and actor, appearing in films such as "The Paper Chase" and "The Devil Wears Prada." He also returned to the stage, starring in productions of "City of Angels" and "Chicago." Throughout his career, Naughton has received numerous accolades for his work in classical music. In addition to his Grammy Award, he has won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical, for his performances in "City of Angels" and "Chicago." He has also been honored with the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Lucille Lortel Award. One of Naughton's most memorable performances was his portrayal of Billy Flynn in the 1996 Broadway revival of "Chicago." His suave and charismatic performance earned him critical acclaim and helped to make the show a huge success. He also received rave reviews for his performance in the 2002 revival of "Our Town," which he directed and starred in. In addition to his work on stage and screen, Naughton has also been a passionate advocate for the arts. He has served on the board of directors for several arts organizations, including the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. He has also been a vocal supporter of music education, and has worked with organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the Grammy Foundation to promote music in schools. Today, Naughton continues to be a prominent figure in the world of classical music. He performs regularly in concerts and cabarets, and has released several albums of popular and classical music. He also continues to work as an actor and director, and is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile performers of his generation.

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