William Franklin (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Franklin
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| Background information | |
| Born | 1906 Shaw, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Opera singer |
| Associated acts | |
William Franklin was an amazing opera singer from Chicago, Illinois. He was born in 1906. People called him one of the best baritone singers of his time. A baritone is a male singer with a deep voice. William Franklin was a pioneer for African American musicians in Chicago.
He was famous for his strong singing. His performances were often remembered for how much feeling he put into the music. He played important roles in famous operas. These included a 1944 show of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess and The Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Biography
William Franklin was born on a farm near Shaw, Tennessee. He grew up in the big city of Chicago, Illinois. He went to Wendell Phillips High School. There, a teacher named Mildred Bryant-Jones helped him learn music. He also played in different bands during his school years.
After high school, William Franklin started playing the trombone. He also sang in jazz groups. From 1925 to 1935, he performed with many famous jazz musicians. These included Clarence Jones, Dave Peyton, Stanley "Fess" Williams, and Earl "Fatha" Hines.
Becoming an Opera Singer
After a car accident, William Franklin decided to focus only on singing. He then went to the Chicago Conservatory of Music to study opera.
He sang in his first opera in 1937. This was a show of Verdi's Aida at the Chicago Civic Opera. He played the role of Amonastro. He performed alongside another great singer, La Julia Rhea. This important role helped him get many more chances to sing in operas and musicals.
William Franklin often performed with the National Negro Opera Company. This company was led by Mary Caldwell Dawson. He also sang in operettas, which are like lighter operas, by Gilbert and Sullivan.
