Jussi Björling was arguably the most stylish tenor of the 20th century. His was a voice of pure silver, admired throughout the world for its velvety smoothness, an evenness from the bottom to the top of his voice and a musicality which never failed him throughout a thirty year career.

Björling was first taught by his father who was also a tenor and his early career included tours with his brothers and father as part of the Björling Male quartet, whose recordings are now highly prized collectors items. His big break came in 1930 with his debut in Stockholm as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni and soon the international opera world took note. The Metropolitan in New York, Covent Garden in London, San Francisco and Chicago were at his feet in two seasons or less.

He ws a prolific recording artist whose zenith coincided with the introduction of the LP and stereo, affording Björling the opportunity to record many of his major roles including Rodolfo in La Bohème, the Duke in Rigoletto, Manrico in Il Trovatore, Calaf in Turandot, Turiddu in Cavalleria Rusticana (on Decca) and many others.

He died just short of his 50th birthday at the height of his powers.