Jeanne Gordon

Jeanne Gordon (born Ruby May Gordon, January 26, 1885 – February 22, 1952) was a Canadian contralto opera singer active during the early 1900s.[1]

Jeanne Gordon in 1920

Biography

Gordon was born as Ruby May Gordon in Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada on January 26, 1885, to David Alexander Gordon (1858–1919) and Rose Fox (1867–1940).[2]

Gordon got her big break in July 1919. She was called to New York City and offered a three-year Metropolitan Opera contract by Giulio Gatti-Casazza. Shortly after signing her contract she changed her name to Jeanne Gordon. Her debut performance was as Azucena in Il trovatore on 22 November 1919.[1][3] In 1919, she created the roles of the Fairy and Mme Berlingot in L'oiseau bleu by Albert Wolff in its world premiere.[4] She made guest appearances with the Opéra de Monte-Carlo in 1928.

In 1933 she had a nervous breakdown.[5]

She died of a heart attack at age 67 in Macon, Missouri on February 22, 1952.[1]

Recordings

Gordon recorded 78s for Columbia and Victor in the 1920s.

  • Jeanne Gordon in 1921-1922
  • An advertising poster for a concert featuring Jeanne Gordon with the Nassau Suffolk W.P.A. Symphony Orchestra

References
  1. "Jeanne Gordon, 59 Once Sang At 'Met'. Contralto With Company in 1920s Dies. Started Career With the Creatore Opera". New York Times. February 23, 1952.
  2. McPherson, James B.,"Gordon, Jeanne", The Canadian Encyclopedia
  3. Mann, Alan and Frank. Settlement on The Sydenham: The Story of Wallaceburg. Wallaceburg: Standard Press, 1984, 16-17.
  4. Metropolitan Opera, Gordon, Jeanne (Mezzo Soprano) MetOpera Database
  5. "Jeanne Gordon Suffers Breakdown". New York Times. May 4, 1933.
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