Caruso, Enrico, << kuh ROO soh, ehn REE koh >> (1873-1921), an Italian tenor, was one of the greatest opera stars of the 1900’s. He became famous for his powerful voice, his ringing high notes, and his extraordinary breath control. Caruso performed mainly in French and Italian operas. His most famous roles included Canio in Pagliacci and Radames in Aida. Caruso was one of the first opera singers to record extensively.
Caruso was born into a poor family in Naples on Feb. 25, 1873. He received little formal education, and less musical training than most opera stars. Caruso made his debut in 1894, in Naples in L’Amico Francesco. In 1902, he acquired international fame with a successful appearance at Covent Garden in London. In 1903, Caruso made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He became closely associated with the Metropolitan Opera, regularly appearing there from 1903 to 1920. Caruso died on Aug. 2, 1921.
