Sherill Milnes has carried on a great tradition of American baritones that began in the 1920's with Lawrence Tibbet. His predecessors include such illustrious names as Robert Merrill and Leonard Warren. Milnes began his career with the Boston Opera Company in 1960, following on from studies at Drake and Northwestern Universities and a summer as an apprentice at the Santa Fe Opera.

Critics and audiences quickly recognised Milnes' gifts. He has a brilliant, high baritone, a sumptuous legato and incisive rhythmic style, allied with a commanding and handsome stage presence. He quickly graduated to the major opera houses and by 1965 had made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera. His international debuts followed soon thereafter and Milnes became THE Verdi baritone of the 1970's and 80's.

He has been a prolific recording artist with scores of opera recordings to his credit. He has often been partnered by two of the famous Three Tenors in all of the major operatic repertoire stretching from Mozart to the Moderns. Many of his finest studio performances are available on the Universal labels, particularly his frequent collaborations with Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti.