We all agree that baritone voices add a rich, warm depth to music that captivates listeners. In this blog, we promise to introduce the top 25 renowned baritone singers who have left an indelible mark on the music world.
From opera to pop, these vocalists have showcased the versatility and power of the baritone range. We’ll preview the careers of legendary artists who have used their lower-pitched voices to create unforgettable performances and timeless recordings.
Join us as we delve into the lives and legacies of these remarkable talents, examining their unique styles, notable works, and lasting impact on the music industry.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of baritone singers or just finding the allure of this vocal range, our list offers something for everyone.
25 Iconic Baritone Singers You Should Know
1. Plácido Domingo
A Spanish baritone and tenor, Plácido Domingo has performed over 150 roles across a wide range of styles. Known for his incredible versatility, Domingo has become one of the most iconic voices in opera.
- Date of Birth: January 21, 1941
- Major Events: Co-founder of the Los Angeles Opera, celebrated for his performances at the Metropolitan Opera
- Famous Songs: “La Donna è Mobile,” “Nessun Dorma,” “O Sole Mio”
2. Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Dmitri Hvorostovsky was a Russian baritone known for his deep, velvety voice and striking stage presence. He was admired for his performances in Russian operas, especially Tchaikovsky’s works.
- Date of Birth: October 16, 1962
- Major Events: Won the prestigious BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 1989
- Famous Songs: “Eugene Onegin’s Aria,” “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata”
3. Thomas Hampson
American baritone Thomas Hampson is a celebrated interpreter of opera and lieder. He is known for his versatility and has performed in classical operatic roles and concert halls worldwide.
- Date of Birth: June 28, 1955
- Major Events: Named “America’s Singer” by the Metropolitan Opera Guild in 2009
- Famous Songs: “Papageno’s Aria,” “Di Provenza il mar,” “Rivolgete a lui lo sguardo”
4. Bryn Terfel
Bryn Terfel is a Welsh bass-baritone whose voice is admired for its power and richness. He has become one of the most prominent figures in opera, performing leading roles in many prestigious opera houses.
- Date of Birth: November 9, 1965
- Major Events: Won a Grammy Award for his recording of Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen”
- Famous Songs: “Largo al factotum,” “Stars” from Les Misérables
5. José van Dam
Belgian baritone José van Dam is known for his elegant vocal style and extensive operatic repertoire. He has been a regular performer in Europe’s most prestigious opera houses.
- Date of Birth: August 25, 1940
- Major Events: Starred in the film adaptation of The Music Teacher
- Famous Songs: “Don Giovanni’s Serenade,” “L’Air du Toreador” from Carmen
6. Simon Keenlyside
British baritone Simon Keenlyside is known for his nuanced performances and versatility. He has performed leading roles at major venues like the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera.
- Date of Birth: August 3, 1959
- Major Events: Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Famous Songs: “Papageno’s Aria,” “Di Provenza il mar,” “Don Giovanni’s Aria”
7. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was one of the most famous interpreters of German lieder and a revered figure in classical music. His influence in the interpretation of Schubert’s works is unmatched.
- Date of Birth: May 28, 1925
- Major Events: His performance of Schubert’s Winterreise remains legendary
- Famous Songs: “An die Musik,” “Erlkönig”
8. Gerald Finley
Gerald Finley is a Canadian baritone known for his warm voice and ability to convey emotion. He excels in opera and concert settings, including his iconic portrayal of Doctor Atomic.
- Date of Birth: January 30, 1960
- Major Events: Grammy Award winner for Doctor Atomic
- Famous Songs: “Soliloquy” from Carousel, “The Pearl Fishers’ Duet”
9. Tito Gobbi
Italian baritone Tito Gobbi was renowned for his dramatic interpretations, especially in roles like Scarpia in Tosca. His acting ability, paired with his voice, made him a beloved figure in opera.
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1913
- Major Events: Famous for his portrayal of Scarpia opposite Maria Callas’ Tosca
- Famous Songs: “Te Deum” from Tosca, “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata”
10. Sherrill Milnes
Sherrill Milnes is an American baritone noted for his commanding presence on stage. His interpretations of Verdi’s roles, in particular, are considered among the best.
- Date of Birth: January 10, 1935
- Major Events: Became a mainstay at the Metropolitan Opera in the 1960s
- Famous Songs: “Di Provenza il mar,” “Eri tu” from Un ballo in maschera
11. Leonard Warren
An American baritone, Leonard Warren was one of the leading voices of the mid-20th century. He was especially celebrated for his Verdi roles, most notably in Rigoletto.
- Date of Birth: April 21, 1911
- Major Events: One of the leading baritones at the Metropolitan Opera
- Famous Songs: “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata,” “Di Provenza il mar”
12. René Pape
German bass-baritone René Pape is highly regarded for his roles in Wagnerian and other German opera repertoires. His voice is admired for its depth and beauty.
- Date of Birth: September 4, 1964
- Major Events: Regular performer at the Bayreuth Festival
- Famous Songs: “In diesen heil’gen Hallen,” “Wotan’s Farewell”
13. Samuel Ramey
Samuel Ramey is an American bass-baritone celebrated for his impressive range and dramatic interpretations. He is particularly known for his work in both opera and concert performances.
- Date of Birth: March 28, 1942
- Major Events: Became famous for his portrayal of Méphistophélès in Faust
- Famous Songs: “Vous qui faites l’endormie,” “Vespri siciliani”
14. Robert Merrill
American baritone Robert Merrill was one of the Metropolitan Opera’s brightest stars during his career. He was widely known for his velvet-like voice and impeccable technique.
- Date of Birth: June 4, 1917
- Major Events: Starred as Figaro in multiple performances of The Barber of Seville
- Famous Songs: “Largo al factotum,” “Di Provenza il mar”
15. George London
George London was a Canadian-American bass-baritone renowned for his Wagnerian roles. His powerful stage presence and voice captivated audiences worldwide.
- Date of Birth: May 30, 1920
- Major Events: Famous for his portrayal of Don Giovanni and Wotan
- Famous Songs: “Wotan’s Farewell,” “Di Provenza il mar”
16. Ettore Bastianini
Italian baritone Ettore Bastianini was known for his robust voice and portrayal of Verdi characters. He is remembered as one of the finest Verdi baritones.
- Date of Birth: September 24, 1922
- Major Events: Notable performances at La Scala in Milan
- Famous Songs: “Eri tu” from Un ballo in maschera, “Te Deum” from Tosca
17. Lawrence Tibbett
An American baritone, Lawrence Tibbett was celebrated for his powerful voice and versatility on both the operatic and concert stages.
- Date of Birth: November 16, 1896
- Major Events: Grammy Award winner and long-standing Metropolitan Opera artist
- Famous Songs: “Di Provenza il mar,” “Eri tu”
18. John Shirley-Quirk
British baritone John Shirley-Quirk was admired for his ability to convey deep emotional expression in opera and lieder. He was highly regarded for his interpretations of Benjamin Britten’s works.
- Date of Birth: August 28, 1931
- Major Events: A favorite of composer Benjamin Britten
- Famous Songs: “The Wreckers,” “Billy Budd”
19. Matthias Goerne
German baritone Matthias Goerne is celebrated for his rich interpretations of German lieder, particularly Schubert’s Winterreise. He is also noted for his opera performances.
- Date of Birth: March 31, 1967
- Major Events: Renowned interpreter of Schubert’s lieder
- Famous Songs: “Der Erlkönig,” “An die Musik”
20. Ruggero Raimondi
Italian bass-baritone Ruggero Raimondi is known for his imposing stage presence and resonant voice. He has performed in many of the world’s top opera houses.
- Date of Birth: October 3, 1941
- Major Events: Starred in films such as Don Giovanni and Tosca
- Famous Songs: “Don Giovanni’s Serenade,” “Te Deum” from Tosca
21. Simon Estes
Simon Estes is an American bass-baritone, notable for his commanding voice and stage presence. He has had a long and successful career in opera and concert settings.
- Date of Birth: March 2, 1938
- Major Events: First African American to perform at the Bayreuth Festival
- Famous Songs: “Old Man River,” “The Toreador Song”
22. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra was an American baritone known for his smooth, resonant voice and iconic place in popular music. His influence on jazz and pop culture is unparalleled.
- Date of Birth: December 12, 1915
- Major Events: Won nine Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award
- Famous Songs: “My Way,” “New York, New York”
23. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, known as “The King of Rock and Roll,” had a deep, powerful baritone voice that contributing to his legendary status. He remains one of the most influential musicians in history.
- Date of Birth: January 8, 1935
- Major Events: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986
- Famous Songs: “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Jailhouse Rock”
24. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter with a rich baritone voice, known for his storytelling and emotionally powerful performances in country music.
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1932
- Major Events: Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1980
- Famous Songs: “Ring of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues”
25. Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole was an American jazz baritone known for his smooth, velvety voice and ability to bridge genres like jazz, pop, and R&B. His voice became a symbol of classic American music.
- Date of Birth: March 17, 1919
- Major Events: Became the first African American to host a national TV show, The Nat King Cole Show
- Famous Songs: “Unforgettable,” “The Christmas Song”
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the world of renowned baritone singers, it’s clear that these 25 artists have shaped the landscape of music with their rich, powerful voices.
From opera to pop, their talents have resonated across genres and generations. These baritones have entertained and inspired countless aspiring singers and music lovers. Their legacies remind us of a distinctive voice’s enduring impact on music.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the allure of baritone voices, we hope this list has deepened your appreciation for these exceptional talents even more.
We encourage you to explore your favorites from this list and perhaps discover new artists to add to your playlist. The world of baritone singers continues to evolve, promising more remarkable voices.
