Samuel Ramey is one of the most versatile singers of his time.

The bass was born on March 28, 1942, and studied at Kansas State University. From there he studied further at Central City and was an apprentice artist at the Santa Fe Opera. He had a major breakthrough in 1973 at the New York City Opera in “Carmen.”

From there, he slowly built up his career in Europe in Berlin, Paris, Milan, Vienna, Pesaro, Glyndebourne, and Salzburg, among other cities and companies.

In 1984, he made his Met Opera debut where he would become a fixture for decades; he also appeared extensively at the Royal Opera House, La Scala, Vienna State Opera, Paris Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, among many others.

He would also record extensively throughout his performing career. In 2015, he was named to the WSU College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame, where he is a Distinguished Professor of Opera. He has won three Grammys from 11 nominations.

Signature Roles

Ramey’s career is defined by conquering the unexpected works of the classic repertory. To this end. He appeared in a wide range of Rossini operas, such as “La gazza ladra,” “Otello,” “Il Turco in Italia,” “Moïse et Pharaon,” “Maometto secondo,” and “Il Signor Bruschino,” to name a few.

His most recognized Verdi interpretation is likely that of “Attila,” even if he did interpret many of his more famed works; he also recorded “Oberto.”

He is also a noted Handel interpreter, championing many of his works early in his career.

He is also renowned for his interpretation of the character of “Don Giovanni,” which he recorded and performed extensively.

Read More on Ramey

Three Operas he revived

His contributions to Verdi’s “Attila”

Watch and Listen

Check out this album of opera arias.

Here is his “Attila” recording, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Opera Recording.