Milton Cross facts for kids
Milton John Cross (born April 16, 1897 – died January 3, 1975) was a famous American radio announcer. He worked for the NBC and ABC radio networks.
He was best known as the voice of the Metropolitan Opera. He hosted their Saturday afternoon radio shows for 43 years. This was from when they first started on December 25, 1931, until he passed away in 1975.
Contents
Milton Cross: Radio's Voice
Starting in Radio
Milton Cross was born in New York City. He began his career when radio was just starting. In 1921, he joined a New Jersey radio station called WJZ. He was not just an announcer but also a singer. He often performed with the station's piano player, Keith McLeod.
By 1927, WJZ moved to Manhattan. It became the main station for the Blue Network, which was part of NBC's new national radio network. Milton Cross's voice became very familiar. He made announcements for the Blue Network. He also hosted many popular shows. Cross was the announcer for the quiz show Information Please. He also hosted the funny music show The Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street. In the 1940s, Cross hosted a Sunday morning show. It featured child performers and was called Coast To Coast on a Bus.
The Voice of the Opera
From 1931 to 1975, Milton Cross hosted the weekly live shows of the Metropolitan Opera. This is the job he is most remembered for. His special voice shared the excitement of live performances. He would say "from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City." He did this for many years of radio listeners.
At first, he broadcast from a seat in "Box 44" at the old Metropolitan Opera House. This was at Broadway and 40th Street. In 1966, he introduced listeners to the Met's new home at Lincoln Center. He hosted a special show from a modern radio booth in the new building.
A Long Career
For 43 seasons, he was the main announcer for the opera shows. In the 1930s, he shared some shows with other people. These included Deems Taylor and Marcia Davenport. Cross missed two shows in 1973 because his wife passed away. Milton Cross never retired. He died in New York from a heart attack during the 1974–75 Met season.
His first Met show was Hansel and Gretel on December 25, 1931. His last was Turandot on December 28, 1974. This was 43 years and 3 days later. Peter Allen took over after him. Peter Allen had been his backup announcer.
Milton Cross was born and lived his whole life in New York City. He is buried at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York.
Books and Recordings
Milton Cross helped create several popular books about opera stories. These books were published along with the Met broadcasts. One book was called “Milton Cross’ Complete Stories of the Great Operas.” It was first published in 1949 and told the stories of 72 famous operas. He also wrote a book with David Ewen. It was called Milton Cross' Encyclopedia of the Great Composers and their Music. This book had stories about 78 composers and came out in 1953.
Cross also narrated several records, including:
- Peter and the Wolf, 4 records, around 1950, Musicraft Records
- Milton Cross Explains, 2 records each, Ottenheimer Publishers/Cabot Records 1958
- The Instruments of the Orchestra
- The Magic of Music
