Jerome Hines
Jerome Hines: A Legendary Bass-Baritone with a Lasting Legacy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Jerome Hines was born on December 8, 1921, in Santa Rosa, California. He is commonly known as Jerie Hines, but his stage name remains Jerome Hines.
Birth and Death Dates
December 8, 1921 – March 23, 2003
Nationality and Profession(s)
American singer, actor, and voice teacher. Known for his powerful bass-baritone voice, Hines was a renowned opera singer who performed with leading companies around the world.
Early Life and Background
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Hines was born to Mary (née Brown) and Joseph Hines in Santa Rosa, California. His early life was marked by hardship, as his family struggled financially during the Great Depression. Despite these challenges, Jerome's love for music began at an early age. He started singing in church choirs and participated in school musicals.
Major Accomplishments
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Hines' professional career spanned over five decades. He made his opera debut in 1948 with the New York City Opera (NYCO). His breakthrough role came when he was cast as the first basso profondo in the world premiere of Samuel Barber's _Vanessa_ at the Metropolitan Opera (Met) in 1958.
Hines' impressive repertoire included over 100 operatic roles, ranging from Mozart to Verdi. He sang with leading companies worldwide, including the Met, NYCO, and London's Royal Opera House. His collaborations with prominent conductors like Otto Klemperer and Herbert von Karajan are still remembered today.
Notable Works or Actions
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One of Hines' most notable achievements was his long-term association with the New York City Opera. As a company member and later as a director, he helped establish NYCO's reputation for innovative productions and bold programming.
Hines also made significant contributions to the field of music education. He served on the faculties of several prestigious institutions, including the Juilliard School in New York City and the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. His students include notable singers such as Thomas Stewart, John Reardon, and Richard Lewis.
Impact and Legacy
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Jerome Hines' impact on the world of opera is immeasurable. He was a true giant among singers, known for his commanding stage presence, rich timbre, and impeccable technique. His extensive repertoire and collaborations with leading conductors and companies helped shape the course of 20th-century opera.
Hines' legacy extends beyond his own performances to inspire future generations of singers and music educators. As a teacher and mentor, he instilled in his students the importance of technical excellence, artistic expression, and dedication to their craft.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Jerome Hines is widely quoted and remembered for his wisdom on the art of singing and teaching. He often emphasized the need for singers to cultivate both vocal technique and artistic expression, warning against the dangers of pedantry and over-specialization.
In interviews and lectures, Hines frequently spoke about the importance of music education and the role of opera in society. His words continue to inspire students, teachers, and professionals alike, reminding us that great singing is not just a technical skill but also an art form that requires dedication, passion, and heart.
Quotes by Jerome Hines


No matter what techniques and what disciplines you go through, I think there is one factor more intangible and that is the motivation to pick yourself off the ground when you've been totally bloodied and smashed and say, 'Let's fight some more.'.

We are facing a generation of young singers who are much more diminutive in their approach to singing.

It is not enough merely to memorize and spout vocal axioms good singing is infinitely more than much talk and head-knowledge.

The motivation part is all essential in keeping my voice, but there are the human factors of discipline.

Happy is the person who cherishes the precious lessons of the past and lives vigorously in the present.

But, how little or how much of a good thing does it take to be bad? For example, water is good to drink. But drink too much of it and you drown!


