Todd Duncan
Mr. Hubba Hubba of the month is Opera singer Todd Duncan.In 1935, he was selected by George Gershwin to originate the role of Porgy in “Porgy and Bess.” In 1945, he became the first African American to perform with a major American opera company, the New York City Opera. He sang the role of Tonio in “I Pagliacci.”
In 1955, he was the first person to record the now classic song, “Unchained Melody" before the Righteous Brothers made it famous in the 1960's.
He was born Robert Todd Duncan in Danville, Kentucky in 1903, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Butler University in 1925, and a master’s at Columbia University Teachers College in 1930. He was a part of the music faculty of Howard University teaching voice, for over fifty years. We lost this musical pioneer in 1998 but his talent lives on through those he inspired. Mr. Duncan, I salute you!
In 1955, he was the first person to record the now classic song, “Unchained Melody" before the Righteous Brothers made it famous in the 1960's.
He was born Robert Todd Duncan in Danville, Kentucky in 1903, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Butler University in 1925, and a master’s at Columbia University Teachers College in 1930. He was a part of the music faculty of Howard University teaching voice, for over fifty years. We lost this musical pioneer in 1998 but his talent lives on through those he inspired. Mr. Duncan, I salute you!
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