John McCormack was one of the greatest, most versatile singers of the last century. Not only did the Irish tenor sing famous folk songs like "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," he also was a much-admired opera singer, performing in music halls the world over. Commentator Miles Hoffman and NPR's Bob Edwards offer a special St. Patrick's Day retrospective of McCormack's career.
"McCormack's success was absolutely astonishing," Hoffman says. He sold millions of records in a recording career that began in the early 1900s and stretched for nearly four decades. "This was a mega-superstar in the days before we knew about mega-superstars," Hoffman says.
Music Heard in this Report
1. "My Wild Irish Rose," (Olcott) from John McCormack: My Wild Irish Rose. (BMG, 09026-68668-2)
2. "Il Mio Tesoro," from Mozart's Don Giovanni, McCormack in Opera. (Prima Voce Records, NI-7820)
3. Verdi, "Questa o quella," from Verdi's Rigoletto. Same CD as #2.
4. "I Hear You Calling Me," (Hartford-Marshall), from John McCormack Favourites, Vol. 1. (Naxos Nostalgia Records, 8.120504)
5. "By the Short Cut to the Rosses," (Nora Hopper, old Irish air, arr. C. Milligan Fox). Same CD as #1.
6. "When Irish Eyes are Smiling," (Olcott and George Graff-Ball). Same CD as #1.
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