Jussi Björling
Swedish tenor ranked greatest singer of the 20th century.
Jussi Björling was a Swedish tenor and one of the leading operatic singers of the 20th century. Born in Stora Tuna, Dalarna, in February 1911, he was known throughout his life by the nickname Jussi, which came from his Finnish-born grandmother. His father, David, was an accomplished singer who became the first teacher for Jussi and his two brothers, Olle and Gösta, all of whom became professional singers. The family performed together as the Björling Male Quartet, and Jussi made his first public appearance at age five. After his father’s death in 1926, the quartet disbanded, and Jussi worked briefly as a lamp salesman before being admitted to the Opera School and the Royal Swedish Academy of Music in 1928, following an audition for John Forsell. He made his stage debut at the Royal Swedish Opera in 1930 in a small role in *Manon Lescaut*, followed by his official debut as Don Ottavio in *Don Giovanni*. Over the next eight years, he added 53 roles to his repertoire at that house, including Rodolfo in *La bohème* and the first Swedish performances of Dick Johnson in *La fanciulla del West* and Vladimir in *Prince Igor*. He appeared in recital and opera in Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and London before making his American concert debut at Carnegie Hall in 1937. His Metropolitan Opera debut came in 1938 as Rodolfo, and he remained on the roster there for many years, also singing in San Francisco and Chicago. During World War II, he confined his appearances to Europe, making his Italian debut in Florence in 1943. In 1944, he was appointed a Royal Court Singer by the Swedish king. After the war, he returned to the Metropolitan Opera, singing major tenor roles in the French and Italian repertoire. He also appeared at La Scala in 1946 and 1951, and gave recitals in the United Kingdom, Yugoslavia, East Germany, and South Africa. In 1960, he suffered a heart attack before a performance of *La Bohème* at Covent Garden. A 1999 poll of music critics in *Classic CD* magazine ranked him the greatest singer of the 20th century.
- born
- 5 February 1911 (baptism records erroneously show 2 February; he celebrated his
- died
- 9 September 1960
- field
- Opera (tenor)
- nationality
- Swedish
- known_for
- Leading tenor at the Metropolitan Opera; recordings of Italian, French, and Russ
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Björling was born in Stora Tuna, Borlänge, Dalarna, Sweden, in February 1911. The midwife's register shows 5 February, but church baptism records erroneously show 2 February, the day he celebrated his birthday throughout his life. He was known as Jussi, a name given by his Finnish-born grandmother. His father David was an accomplished singer and first teacher of Jussi and his brothers Olle and Gösta; the four performed as the Björling Male Quartet for 11½ years. After his father's death in 1926, the quartet disbanded and Björling worked as a lamp salesman before auditioning for John Forsell in 1928 and being admitted to the Opera School and Royal Swedish Academy of Music. Björling made his first stage appearance as the Lamplighter in Manon Lescaut at the Royal Swedish Opera on 21 July 1930, followed by his official debut as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni on 20 August 1930. He added 53 parts at the Royal Swedish Opera through 1938. He debuted at the Metropolitan Opera on 24 November 1938 as Rodolfo in La Bohème and remained on the roster until 1941, also appearing in San Francisco and Chicago. After World War II, he returned to the Met and sang major tenor roles in French and Italian repertoire. He appeared at La Scala in 1946 and 1951. On 15 March 1960 he suffered a heart attack before a performance of La Bohème at Covent Garden but insisted on singing. His last operatic performance was as Faust in San Francisco on 1 April 1960, and his final recital at Skansen, Stockholm, on 20 August 1960. He died of heart-related issues in his sleep on the island of Siarö, Sweden, on 9 September 1960, aged 49.
Reader's Guide
Jussi Björling's significance lies in his ranking as the greatest singer of the 20th century by a 1999 poll of music critics in Classic CD magazine, and his long association with the Metropolitan Opera. His recorded legacy includes complete opera recordings for RCA Victor and EMI, such as La Bohème with Victoria de los Ángeles and Sir Thomas Beecham, and Madama Butterfly with de los Ángeles. He also performed the Verdi Requiem under Arturo Toscanini in 1939 and 1940, recordings of which survive. Björling was awarded the 1959 Grammy Award for Best Classical Performance – Vocal Soloist for his recital album Björling in Opera. His voice, according to de los Ángeles, was far more beautiful than any recording captures. His career spanned the Swedish Royal Opera, major European houses, and American companies, and he was appointed hovsångare (Royal Court Singer) by King Gustaf V in 1944.
Did You Know?
- Björling's father David died in 1926, leading to the disbandment of the Björling Male Quartet and Jussi working as a lamp salesman in Ystad.
- He made his radio debut in 1928, the same year he auditioned for John Forsell and was admitted to the Opera School and Royal Swedish Academy of Music.
- Björling sang the role of the Swedish King Gustave III in Verdi's Un ballo in maschera at the Metropolitan Opera for the 1940/1941 season, the first staging set in Sweden.
- He was appointed hovsångare (Royal Court Singer) by King Gustaf V in 1944.
- His 1961 album Beloved Bjoerling peaked at No. 142 on the US Billboard Top LPs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jussi Björling?
Jussi Björling was a Swedish tenor widely regarded as one of the most celebrated operatic voices of the twentieth century. He is best remembered for his long tenure as a leading tenor at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
What opera houses did Jussi Björling perform at?
He spent the bulk of his career at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, while also appearing at major European stages such as the Royal Opera House in London and La Scala in Milan. His recorded catalogue spans Italian, French, and Russian operatic repertory.
Why is Jussi Björling considered so important in opera history?
A 1999 poll of music critics run by Classic CD magazine named him the greatest singer of the entire twentieth century. His naturally beautiful tone and ability to move fluidly across multiple national traditions made him a singular figure in the tenor repertoire.
When and how did Jussi Björling die?
He passed away on 9 September 1960, at the age of 49. He had been born on 5 February 1911, although baptism records mistakenly list 2 February, a date he personally chose to celebrate as his birthday.
What kind of voice and repertory was Jussi Björling known for?
He was a lyric tenor whose stage and recording work covered Italian, French, and Russian operatic traditions. His warm, naturally rounded tone and impeccable diction set him apart from his contemporaries.
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