Giorgio Tozzi Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

Giorgio Tozzi, born on January 8, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, was an acclaimed American bass opera singer, recognized for his robust voice and impressive range. Over his illustrious career, Tozzi became a stalwart at the Metropolitan Opera and earned accolades for both his operatic and musical theatre roles.

Tozzi began his musical journey studying music at DePaul University. After honing his skills, he made his professional debut in 1948, but it was in the mid-1950s that he achieved prominence with his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Over the next two decades, he would perform in more than 500 performances at the Met, embracing a variety of roles that showcased his vocal depth and dramatic prowess. Among his notable operatic roles were Figaro in "Le Nozze di Figaro," Philip II in "Don Carlo," and Méphistophélès in "Faust."

Beyond opera, Tozzi shined in musical theatre. Perhaps most memorably, he portrayed Emile De Becque in the 1958 film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific." This role allowed Tozzi to reach a broader audience and demonstrated his adaptability as a performer. Throughout his career, Tozzi was honored with numerous awards and recognitions. One highlight was the Grammy Award he received in 1960 for Best Opera Recording for Puccini's "Turandot."