Sherrill Milnes
Sherrill Milnes was another name that kept popping up on the CD box sets I was buying. I first heard Milnes on the famous 1971 recording of Verdi’s Rigoletto with Sutherland and Pavarotti. Like so many great singers, he has an unforgettable and unmistakable sound. The first word that comes to mind when I think of Milnes is power. He also has a wonderful ability to convey emotion in his tone and bring out different colors of his instrument. Listen below to see what I mean. I wouldn’t say his voice is beautiful in the way, say, Gerald Finley’s is, but he certainly has his place secured in the list of great divi.

This American baritone was born in 1935, making his Met Opera debut 30 years later. He is a renowned Verdi interpreter, but he is excellent in many of the other roles he has played as well.