Birth

:

October 27, 1936 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Vocal

 

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 in New York City. He studied under the renowned voice teacher Jennie Tourel, who helped him develop his unique style and technique. White's voice was known for its clarity, power, and emotional depth, which made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. White made his professional debut in 1961, when he performed in a production of Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem" at the Tanglewood Music Festival. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented young tenors in the country, and he was soon invited to perform with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and opera companies. One of White's most memorable performances was his rendition of Handel's "Messiah" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 1971. The performance was broadcast on national television, and it helped to cement White's reputation as one of the greatest tenors of his generation. He also performed at the White House for President Jimmy Carter in 1978. White's career was marked by numerous awards and accolades. He won a Grammy Award in 1984 for his recording of Schubert's "Winterreise," and he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1995. He was also inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1997. White continued to perform well into his seventies, and he remained a beloved figure in the world of classical music until his death on March 26, 2015, at the age of 78. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his career.

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