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Robert White was a renowned American tenor who was born on June 19, 1936, in New York City. He was the youngest of three children born to his parents, who were both immigrants from Jamaica. White's father was a carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker. White grew up in Harlem, where he attended the prestigious High School of Music and Art. White's love for music began at an early age. He started singing in his church choir when he was just six years old. He was also a member of the Boys' Choir of Harlem, where he received formal training in music. White's talent was evident from a young age, and he was soon recognized as a rising star in the world of classical music. After graduating from high school, White attended the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied under the renowned voice teacher Jennie Tourel. He also studied with other notable teachers, including Margaret Harshaw and Martial Singher. White's training at Juilliard was rigorous, and he spent countless hours perfecting his craft. White made his professional debut in 1961, when he performed in a production of Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw" at the New York City Opera. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most promising young tenors in the country. In 1962, he made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera, where he performed in "La Bohème." This was a major milestone in White's career, and it cemented his status as a rising star in the world of classical music. Over the next few years, White continued to perform at some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. He performed at the Royal Opera House in London, the Paris Opera, and the Vienna State Opera, among others. He also performed with some of the most renowned conductors of the time, including Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan, and Georg Solti. White's repertoire was vast, and he was known for his ability to perform a wide range of musical styles. He was particularly renowned for his performances of works by Mozart, Handel, and Bach. He was also known for his interpretations of contemporary works, including those by Benjamin Britten and Samuel Barber. Throughout his career, White received numerous awards and accolades. In 1976, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Gerald Ford. He was also awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York in 1984. In 1990, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. White's career was not without its challenges. He struggled with racism throughout his life, and he was often the victim of discrimination. He was once denied a hotel room because of his race, and he was also denied entry to a restaurant. Despite these challenges, White remained committed to his craft, and he continued to perform at the highest level. White retired from performing in 2000, after a career that spanned nearly four decades. He remained active in the world of classical music, however, and he continued to mentor young singers. He also served as a judge for several vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. White passed away on March 26, 2015, at the age of 78. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest tenors of his generation. His performances were marked by their beauty, passion, and technical precision. He was a true artist, and his contributions to the world of classical music will be remembered for generations to come.

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