Enrico Caruso

ENRICO CARUSO d1921. Legendary Italian opera tenor whose powerful pure emotive voice made him considered to be one of the greatest singers ever. His unprecedented popularity extended well beyond the realms of opera and his pioneering approach to early recorded music ensured he became the first superstar of the era. He made over 260 recordings over 18 years between 1902-1920 earning millions of dollars in 78rpm record sales. He sang at many of the worlds great opera houses including La Scala in Milan / Royal Opera House Covent Garden London and 17 years at The Metropolitan New York. He died aged just 48 from pleurisy complications and his embalmed body lay in state for years for his fans to see before being finally laid to rest in Milan