Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 22, 1930 in Altadena, CA

Death

:

July 24, 2016 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Film

 

 

Orchestral

 

Marni Nixon was a renowned American classical music artist, known for her exceptional vocal abilities and her contributions to the world of film and theater. Born on February 22, 1930, in Altadena, California, Nixon grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her father, Charles Nixon, was a composer and pianist, while her mother, Margaret McEathron, was a singer and voice teacher. Nixon began her musical training at the age of six, studying piano and voice with her mother. She later attended the Westridge School for Girls in Pasadena, where she continued her musical education and developed her skills as a soprano. In 1947, she enrolled at the University of Southern California, where she studied music and drama. Nixon's career as a classical music artist began in the 1950s, when she began performing in operas and concerts throughout the United States. She made her debut with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1950, singing the role of the Shepherd Boy in Richard Strauss's "Der Rosenkavalier." She also performed with the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, among others. In addition to her work in the opera world, Nixon also became known for her work as a studio singer. She was often called upon to provide the singing voice for actresses in Hollywood films, including Deborah Kerr in "The King and I," Natalie Wood in "West Side Story," and Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady." Nixon's contributions to these films were often uncredited, but her work was essential to the success of the productions. Nixon's talent as a classical music artist was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1961, she received a Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Chorus for her work on the soundtrack of "West Side Story." She was also nominated for a Tony Award in 1976 for her performance in the Broadway musical "Irene." Despite her success as a classical music artist, Nixon faced challenges throughout her career. As a studio singer, she often struggled to receive credit for her work, and her contributions were sometimes overlooked or dismissed. In addition, she faced discrimination as a woman in the male-dominated world of classical music. Despite these challenges, Nixon continued to pursue her passion for music throughout her life. She remained active as a performer and teacher, and she was a beloved figure in the classical music community. She passed away on July 24, 2016, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and influential classical music artists of her time.

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