Girard's Parsifal, premiered at the Met in 2013, was a revelation, projecting the director's cosmic films onto a post-apocalyptic landscape. In 1969, she was given a contract with the Deutsche Oper Berlin, and her first role was in Tannhuser as Elisabeth. Summing Up Our list Of Great Opera Singers, 11 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Zydeco Bands, 13 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Thrash Metal Bands, 11 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Jam Bands, 10 Of The Most Famous Musicians From New Mexico. He studied in Stockholm and Lahti, and soon, in 1960, made his operatic debut in Helsinki, singing the role of Sparafucile. At present, Pape is still active in the operatic scene. Next: Greatest female singers from the 1950s (our list). After her dismissal, she focused on recording albums and giving concerts. 1. Since then, he's been working to make music theory easy for over 1 million students in over 80 countries around the world. 2 Johnny Cash John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author, who was widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He also made appearances in more than 20 movies after the war years. At the same time, he took vocal lessons likewise. You should also listen to two extraordinary bassos, Martti Talvela and Bonaldo Giaotti. The term baritone itself comes from the Greek for "barys"meaning "deep" or "low"and "tonos" for "tone." . This performance is from the Mets 1990 run. She played a shepherd boy in the performance. If you have a different one post it in the comments section below. If you suspect that your voice belongs to the bass category, then you should develop it. Some of his famous roles include Canio in Pagliacci and the Duke in Rigoletto. He lived in New York in the later years of his life and was a frequent performer at the Metropolitan Opera. She has also performed numerous Mozart works, including roles in The Marriage of Figaro and Cosi Fan Tutte. American Rene Fleming was born in Pennsylvania and has distinguished herself in modern opera with four Grammy Awards and was also awarded the National Medal of Arts. He initially sang in synagogues. Hines soon made his operatic debut in 1941 at the San Francisco Opera, taking the role of Monterone in Rigoletto. Lauritz Melchior (1890-1973) The Danish singer Lauritz Melchior was a tenor who began his career as a baritone, but as soon as he retrained as a tenor, he skipped over the middling-heavy roles and . The country has yet to produce a Pavarotti or Rene Fleming, but names like the bass Metropolitan Opera. Antonio Tamburini (28 March 1800 8 November 1876) was an Italian operatic baritone. Italian composer, pianist, dou. It will help if you remember that not all solo singers are tenors or baritones. I heard him in most of his great roles as well as small ones like Fra Melitone and the Sacristin. tenor. Luciano Pavarotti was an operatic tenor who went on to become one of the most loved and acclaimed tenors of all time. O tu Palermois from Act 2 of I Vespri Siciliani; it is not among the operas he sang at the Met. Also a well-known humanitarian, Luciano Pavarotti hosted annual charity concerts to raise money for various UN causes. Italian bass Cesare Siepi (born 1923) is one of the legendary opera singers of the 20th century generally considered to be one of the finest basses of the post-war period. While he mainly composed for operas, he also developed the early recitative-aria technique. Fleming has not limited herself to only opera singing. Siepi began singing as a madrigal group member. Born into a signing family in Sweden, Jussi Bjorling was one of the most popular opera singers during the years leading up to World War II. For several years, Galli-Curcitoured extensively in Europe, Russia and South America and later bolstered her career in the US working with Chicago Opera Association, Victor Talking Machine Company and Metropolitan Opera. He was an American operatic basses, who frequently performed from 1946 to 1987 at the Metropolitan Opera. Renata Tebaldi was an Italian lirico-spinto soprano. Soon after, he was singing in Verdi and Russian Opera. Over her career as an opera vocalist, shes given many excellent performances in operas like The Marriage Of Figaro, Tosca, and Parsifal. Shes sung in opera houses around the world and even recorded a performance of West Side Story where she played Maria with fellow opera singer Jos Carreras. He was honored with a role at the Met in each of the next 16 years after his debut. After gaining fame with his performances in cities such as London, Paris, and Vienna, and his impeccable Verdi interpretations, he was forced to end his career due to an automobile accident. Carlo Pietro Tagliabue (January 13, 1898 in Mariano Comense April 6, 1978 in Monza) was an Italian baritone. He started performing in the late 1950s and has played a role in at least 150 different operas during his career. Tebaldi performed almost exclusively at the Met for the next 20 years and 270 performances. Most powerful stage presence I ever saw. Remember that the famous bass singers mentioned above are testaments to the fact that if you have a thunderous bass voice, you can also carve a niche for yourself in the operatic world. He was such a charismatic performer that he reinvented himself as a Broadway leading man in Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific after his Met career was finished. After gaining attention with her Venetian debut as Deidamia in Sacratis La finta pazza, she also featured in poet and intellectual Giulio Strozzis writings. Shes been a featured singer multiple times at Carnegie Hall, and shes also won a handful of Grammy Awards. He was known for his rock and roll music, as well as his iconic voice. He was known as the King of the High Cs for his ability to reach the high note with precision and confidence. Prices most notable roles were Aida and Bess (Porgy & Bess). He was a star for decades on the world's great opera stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala (Milan) and Covent Garden (London). The range of bass usually goes from the second F just below the middle C up to the E just above the middle C. If you have the voice range like that, you can comfortably sing songs within this range. His bass voice has that full resonant low with very-low notes and came with a very relaxed vibrato. He was born on April 11, 1938. Salminens face is too expressive. She grew up listening to opera as a child, then began singing it in her teens and early 20s. 1 Dmitri Hvorostovsky 1962 2017 baritone Russian 445 184 2 Bryn Terfel 1965 bass-baritone Welsh 567 201 3 Thomas Hampson 1955 baritone American 519 271 4 Leo Nucci 1942 baritone Italian 799 387 5 Ruggero Raimondi 1941 bass-baritone Italian 746 400 6 Robert Merrill 1917 2004 baritone American 1149 356 She had a prolific career and performed all around North America and Europe. Within only a few years, she had mastered many roles, including the Flower Maiden in Parsifal, the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro, and the title role in Tosca. He was the most famous Russian opera singer of . Counted among the most popular Italian tenors of his generation, Mario del Monaco is best remembered for his virile appearance and ringing voice, which earned him the nickname Brass Bull of Milan. Thanks! One of the most recognized opera talents in the world, both as a singer and as a conductor, Placido Domingo is another of the famous Three Tenors (with Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras). After his retirement, Carlo Bergonzi worked as a mentor for many other popular tenors like Berle Sanford Rosenberg, Giuliano Ciannella, Vincenzo La Scola, and Fernando del Valle among others. She retired from professional singing in 1965. He was rumored to be Benito Mussolinis favorite and recorded Giovinezza, an anthem of fascism in 1937. She studied opera in school and attended the Hochschule Music school in Wurzburg. You can also expand your range with proper training, and if you are lucky, you can make a name for yourself. Dmitri Hvorostovsky, the Russian baritone known for his velvety voice, dashing looks and shock of flowing white hair, died Wednesday at a. Her voice was featured on The Lord of the Rings movie soundtrack. 3. He first won the International Vocal Competitions Grand Prix in Paris. Our list of the most renowned opera singers includes men and women from all over the world America, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Greece, New Zealand, and Wales. Ildar Abdrazakov is tasked with the role of Assur. He was the opera partner of popular soprano Giulia Grisi. Since his 1995 debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Rene Pape performed at least one role in each season at the Met for 16 consecutive years. Below is our list of the 23 greatest and most famous opera singers of all time. Brahms: WIegenlied (Lullaby) , Op. This is a professional review website. Luciano Pavarotti Luciano Pavarotti was an Italian operatic tenor nicknamed "King of the High Cs". She had also won hearts in London, New York, and Paris, among other cities. However, Tagliabue would go on to excel in the Verdian repertoire, especially La forza del destino, Aida, Rigoletto, La traviata, Nabucco, and Otello. He had an imposing figure being 65 in height. I sang chorus in Italiana in Algeri in Pesaro with Ramey. Italian opera set the Baroque standard. Feodor Chaliapin (1873-1938) was a unique performer. This is the standard against all future basses will be judged. In her expansive career spanning almost five-decades, Olivero garnered acclaim appearing in opera houses across Italy and around the world including in the US and Europe. After a year, he made his Italian operatic debut in Teatro Comunale Bologna. He went toLondonin 1731 and joined Handel's opera company where he performed and created many roles in Handel's works. Soon, she was singing at opera houses worldwide. After World War II, Gigli returned to the stage for concerts and operas to great fanfare. My ribcage is still vibrating. He was also acclaimed as the Vocalist of the Year in 2002 by Musical America. She was born in New York City, raised in Greece, and began singing Italian opera in her late teens. She later married opera singer and Italian nobleman and knight Giovanni Matteo Mario. He spent the last years of his career and life in New York City, singing many roles at the Metropolitan Opera and recording for the Victor Talking Machine Company. Her debut featured a performance as Leonora in Il Trovatore by Verdi. He also served as music director for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Download Now Although Jessye is known as a soprano, shes stretched her talents by singing songs in the contralto and soprano range. No other place to end this list of the most famous Spanish singers of all time. He was initially a soprano at the St. Mark's Basilica. He was also an imposing figure on stage standing at 66. Performers include Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, Rene Fleming, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and Anna Netrebko. Some of her memorable performances include essaying leading roles in operas like Fedora,La Fanciulla del West and La Wally. The Met in another of its strange hiring practices never engaged him. If you're searching for a particular famous opera singer from Italy, then use the "search" function to find who you're looking for. She was the highest-paid singer of her time. Had far more vocal variety than Ramey. Another great German operatic bass singer is Kurt Moll. One of the finest singers of her generation, Patti was also among the highest-paid at the peak of her career. During the late years of his career, he crossed over into popular music, becoming one of the most acclaimed tenors of all time. Five singers that have a bass voice are: Lance Bass Scott McCreery Johnny Cash Brad Roberts Barry White What are the different types of opera singers? Jussi Bjrling found fame in the years leading up to World War II. For approximately 25 years, Robert Merrill was one of the Metropolitan Operas resident baritones and provided the vocal work on dozens of roles. Giuditta Pasta also worked as a teacher and among her well-known pupils are Emma Albertazzi and Adelaide Kemble. Nessun dorma (none shall sleep) aria was made famous by singer Pavarotti and has become an iconic number for dramatic Productions. Unfortunately, an accident brought his football career to an end. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto. In the early 2000s, Sherrill and his wife created a non-profit organization to help young singers get their start. Learn More. Nicola Ghiaurov was born on September 13, 1929. Welcome to Hello Music Theory! His greatest role was likely Dr Bartolo in the Barber. Despite Pinza dominance at the Met, Pasero sang 117 performances with the company including two of Don Giovanni in which he was Leporello to Pinzas Don. Barbra Streisand has an extremely unique voice that has been enchanting audiences for over 50 years. One of the greatest Italian basses, opera singer Cesare Siepi is remembered for playing the iconic title role of Don Giovanni. He was the most Operatic basses are men who sing bass roles in operas for opera companies in opera houses. Italianoperaticsoprano Magda Oliverois counted among the greatest singers of the 20th-century. Born in Pennsylvania, Fleming has won four Grammy Awards for her singing career, as well as the National Medal of Arts. After building her reputation as a performer, her work eventually brought her to a position as the artistic director of the Salzburg Whitsun Festival. Norman Treigle (1927-75) was a performer who had to be seen onstage to realize what a great performer he was. Much of his fame has come from portraying lead roles in operatic movies. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the roles of Falstaff and Iago. An immensity and wide range characterize Talvelas voice. Pavarotti- Nessun dorma- Puccini- Turandot Watch on Enrico Caruso The son of a factory mechanic (and bass singer) in Naples, Caruso was a teenage singing star there. He was such a charismatic performer that he reinvented himself as a Broadway leading man in Rodgers and Hammersteins South Pacific after his Met career was finished. She was known for her coloratura vocal quality and range. And Chinese singers are indeed making inroads into the European and American scenes. He was also a vocal chamber musics refined performer. 3 After gaining fame with his performances in Italy and Britain, he spent the final years of his career in Russia. He ably performed, for example, Fafner and Hagen. Italian opera singer Luigi Lablache is remembered for his performance as Leporello in Mozarts Don Giovanni. He played various roles like those of Mussorgsky and Verdi. During the first years of the 20th century, he made hundreds of recordings and made several more for the Victor Talking Machine Company. Alfredo Arnold Cocozza adopted the stage name Mario Lanza for the film industry. The list Italian basses includes Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Mario Biondi (musician), Salvatore Baccaloni, Nicola Rossi-Lemeni and Lorenzo Regazzo . Then, at the Stockholm Royal Opera, he sang from 1961 to 1962. He serves as an inspiration to many as he went on to become one of the most popular Italian singers of all time, despite losing his vision at age 12. Some of her most memorable performances were in La Gioconda and I Vespri Siciliani. As an opera vocalist, shes remembered for her particularly dramatic portrayals that combined her massive singing talent with her mastery of theatrical performance. He soon made his European debut playing Nick Shadow at Edinburgh Festival. One of his most popular roles was the title role in Don Giovanni, which is common for people who sing in his octave. Other awards include the Rossini d'oro, the Bellini d'oro, the Tamango Prize, the Premio Aureliano Pertile, and the L'Opera award for his 2001 performance at La Scala in La Sonnambula . Best known for her musicality and her sense of style, Scotto is regarded as one of the leading singers of her generation. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was a child prodigy, singing on the radio by the age of 4. He got the job when Christoff was denied a visa to enter the US. Thus, if you have a booming bass voice type, you should be proud of it for your voice is a rarity. He was an operatic basses who hailed from Finland. She is well regarded for her performances of Lucia de Lammermoor, especially the Mad Scene, which she sang for more than 30 years and 200 performances in Sydney, Paris, New York, and at the famous La Scala in Milan, Italy. Mirella Freni achieved international fame at the popular Glyndebourne Festival, where she performed as Adina in L'elisir d'amore and as Zerlina in Don Giovanni. Den Norske Opera, Oslo, Oct. 12 to Jan. 13. Moreover, he got named the Artist of the Year in 2008 by the German opera critics. 7 Best Contemporary Opera Singers Dmitri Hvorostovsky Lawrence Brownlee Bryn Terfel Plcido Domingo Juan Diego Florez Philippe Jaroussky Ramn Vargas Dmitri Hvorostovsky Kremlin.ru, CC-BY-SA 4.0, via Wikipedia Dmitri Hvorostovsky Diana Damrau is a German soprano who was very popular in her home country at the start of her career. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Medicine and Opera is a blog by Neil Kurtzman MD about just that, medicine and opera. Tebaldi was particularly successful in the years after World War II, both in Italy and internationally. He is usually left off of list of the greatest basses of all time. She is best known for her interpretations of the music of Bellini, Mozart and Rossini, as well as for her performances of lesser-known Baroque and Classical music. He was popular in San Francisco, New York, and Chicago in the 1930s but left for Sweden during World War II, when he was named a Royal Court Singer by then-monarch King Gustaf V. Jussi returned to the United States after WWII and enjoyed continued success. He could be intensely dramatic as in Mefistofele or Boris. One of them was as Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly. [2] Far from being regarded as an elitist art form, opera has been an integral part of Italian American culture across all social classes. Aretha Franklin There's a reason why everyone loves singing Aretha Franklin at karaoke night. She eventually had on-camera roles in the TV version of The Odd Couple and sang on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Mario del Monaco was an Italian operatic tenor who performed at the popular Metropolitan Opera between 1951 and 1959. She joined the Metropolitan Opera in 2002 and performed as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni. She was awarded the title of Peoples Artist of Russia due to her international fame. Originally from just outside Chicago, Sherrill Milnes is regarded as one of the finest baritones ever on the opera stage. Merrill became widely known for singing the national anthem at hundreds of New York Yankees games over the years. This list may not reflect recent changes. Jussi Bjrling (1911-1960) Bjrling's beautiful tone and effortless technique contributed to his reputation as a paragon of the art of singing during an illustrious international career. Italian soprano Eugenia Ratti is remembered for her soubrette roles, primarily in interpretations of Cimarosa and Mozart. He is also remembered for his association with the Metropolitan Opera, where he spent 22 seasons and appeared in over 750 performances of 50 operas. .Dive into the beautiful world of opera with some of the most acclaimed arias, performed by renowned singers such as Ann. Pembroke, Ont., native Joshua Hopkins has sung Rossini's Barber many times before . Scintille diamant is from the 2nd or 3rd act, depending on the production. He had 95 roles in his repertoire. 2. Another favorite basso is Robert Lloyd. The power, the musicality, the feeling! His life and career inspired a 1994 biographical drama film titled, (Italian Opera Singer Who is Considered One of the Most Popular Sopranos of All Time), (Italian Opera Singer Who is Regarded as One of the Greatest Tenors of His Generation), (Italian Composer, Organist and Singer Known for His Operas: Ormindo, Giasone and la Calisto), (Italian Contralto Castrato Who was Known for His Collaboration with George Frideric Handel), (Celebrated Operatic Singer of the 20th Century), (One of the Greatest Sopranos of the 20th Century), (Legendary Italian Opera Singer Who Immortalized the Role of Don Giovanni), (Italian Soprano Who Was Icon in the 1950s and 1960s), (Italian Opera Singer Who Was Known for his Baritone and Interpretations of Verdi), (Italian Opera Singer Who Was an Iconic and Internationally Renowned Soprano), (Italian Opera Singer Who Is Remembered for Playing Leporello in Don Giovanni), (Italian Opera Singer Who Immortalized the Role of Fritz in L'Amico Fritz), (Italian Mezzo-Soprano Who Ruled the 18th Century Opera Scene), (Italian Baritone Who Made His Metropolitan Opera Debut at 69), (Italian Baroque-Era Operatic Soprano Who Mostly Appeared in Handel's Operas), (Italian Tenor Who Was a Major Figure of the Bel Canto-Era Romantic Operas), (Italian Operatic Contralto Best Known for Her Bel Canto Performances), (Italian Opera Singer Who Was the First Star in the History of Opera), (Italian Opera Singer Known for His Baritone Voice), (Italian Soprano Who Is Remembered for Her Soubrette Roles), (Italian Opera Singer Who Was the Star of 'La Scala'), (Italian Bass Noted for His Powerful Voice and Performances in George Frideric Handels Operas). Unfortunately, she was involved in a controversy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which threw her career into some turmoil. Then, he got employed as a regular singer at Berlins Deutsche Oper in 1962. She became a successful singer shortly after the end of World War II with performances in Italy and abroad. Legendary Italian operatic baritone Piero Cappuccilli initially wished to become an architect but switched to singing later. famous Russian opera singer of the 20th century. Italian soprano who soared to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with her performances at Milans iconic La Scala. He did not have any problem singing inside a big auditorium like that of the San Francisco Opera. Il lacerato spirito is from the Prologue to Verdis Simon Boccanegra. A3-A5 in scientific pitch notation, where middle C = C4). 1. Ezio Pinza was an Italian opera singer best remembered for his rich and sonorous voice. I heard Ramey and Trigle as devils in Mefistofoles and Faust. Well, you should not wallow in misery, for your voice is a gift. How to Hold a Guitar Pick Like a Real Pro. He also played Boltos Mefistofele and Colline in La bohme, and many more. Millions of people around the world would see her perform live at the wedding. But, between 1914 and 1920, Gigli made his debut at opera houses throughout Italy, including Las Scala, Palermo, Naples, and Rome. Asheville, North Carolina, United States258 followers 255 connections. Feodor Chaliapin Ezio Pinza Nicolai Ghiaurov John Tomlinson Paul Beverly Sills is one of the most famous American opera singers to ever reach the stage and one of the best opera singers of all time. Any list of pop opera singers must include Josh Groban. Along with her near contemporaries Thrse Tietjens and Jenny Lind, Adelina Patti is considered one of the most popular sopranos of all time. He overate frequently and used alcohol often. Nazzareno De Angelis (1881-1962) was an Italian bass especially known for his Rossini, Verdi, and Wagner roles and for his portrayal of Boitos Mefistofele which was the part he sang most often. I heard five of those gentlemen, but none of them could equal Kurt Moll, and just a hair behind him, Matti Salminen. One of the few bass-baritones on our list, Bryn Terfel was born in Wales. His career at the Met was strange. Her performance was so stunning that it earned her a 42-minute ovation, which was one of the longest in the opera houses history. He also appeared in opera films, such as The Barber of Seville. Mirella Freni was an Italian operatic soprano who appeared at famous international opera houses over the course of her career, which spanned 50 years. Such was her popularity that several roles were written specifically for her. She won an amazing 19 Grammy Awards during her career and was eventually awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Here is a list of the 10 most famous arias in the world. This greatest male opera singers list . He is often overlooked on these lists of great basses. Cecilia Bartoli is an Italian opera singer and recitalist. Sobinov [tenor] 1872 - 1934 Vladimir Rosing [tenor] 1890 - 1963, If you are asking regarding the basic different 'types' of voice Mirella Freni and Nicolai Ghiaurov lived in Modena and performed together frequently. Luigi Lablache Ettore Bastianini [started as bass] Enzo Dara by Fred Plotkin. She was 17 when she made her debut with Zelmira. Josh Groban. [Answered], How To Connect Studio Monitors To Audio Interface, How To Get Better at Guitar Tips To Become a Great Guitarist, How To Connect Audio Interface To Computer. He is credited with reviving many of Verdi's lesser known works. Interestingly, her first major international performance came when she was a substitute for another performer at Carnegie Hall. Born on February 10, 1923, Cesare Siepi was an Italian opera singer and considered one of the most refined post-war era basses. Moreover, he sported a fantastic stage presence. Bellini, Rossini Donizetti, Puccini, and Verdi are among the most famous operas ever written, and all have Italian heritage. Soon after, Christoff left for Italy in 1942 and studied in the Italian bass repertoire under Riccardo Stracciari. It is an incredibly emotional aria from the most famous Italian opera "Turandot" by composer Puccini, that for the passion and precision he poured into it. Regarded as one of the 20th century's greatest opera singers, Tebaldi is best remembered for her performances at popular opera houses like San Carlo, La Scala, and the Metropolitan Opera. 49, No . She opened the Jessye Norman School of Arts for low-income students in 2003. Two of his most notable works were Erismena and LOrmindo. She garnered acclaim in Italy following her operatic debut 1906. I give my vote to you, with the arm and the core! She has won five Grammy Awards for Best Classical Vocal Performance. Salminen had a long list of roles that he sang, and in 2016, he performed a farewell concert in December at Zurich Opera House. Carreras established an international charity in the mid-1990s to raise money for leukemia awareness, treatment, and cure. Enrico Caruso is famous because he was one of the first singers whose voice was recorded and available on early phonograph records. Natalie Dessay He did sing opera in the movies, though. Jessye Norman fell in love with opera at the age of nine and took singing lessons as a youth and throughout her teenage years. Yet, your voice is genetically determined; thus, you sulk and brood. Leonid Vitalyevich She is known for having the versatility to sing soprano and mezzo roles. His stage presence was characterized by elegance and airy presence. He also made numerous television appearances. The daughter of renowned film composer Giovanni Fusco, she made her musical debut with Verdi's Rigoletto at Teatro Margherita. A celebrated performer, Farinelli is widely regarded asone of the greatest singers in operatic history. Known for her iconic roles such as those of Dalinda in Ariodante and Teofane in Ottone, she immortalized many roles penned by composer George Frideric Handel. During his career, he sang more than 50 different roles, including six Puccini operas and more than a dozen operas by Verdi. He took Law, and when he graduated, he worked as a magistrate. Caballe was a legendary opera singer whose first international claim to fame came for substituting in during a Carnegie Hall performance of Lucrezia Borgia in 1965. Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, in particular, gave the baritone voice some of its most compelling showcases, with title roles in hits like Rigoletto, Nabucco, and Macbeth. Favorite operas include Un Ballo in Maschera. Renata Tebaldi grew up in Italy and started singing while in her teens. After making his debut at Venice in 1707, Senesino went on to establish himself as an important singer and performer.