Luciano Pavarotti (Modena, Italy, 1935 - Modena, 6 September 2007)

After his debuts in Italy (1961) and in the United States (1967), the “king of the high C's” became a worldwide favorite in such notable roles as Donizetti's Nemorino, Puccini's Rodolfo and Cavarodossi, and Verdi's Riccardo, often performing at the Metropolitan Opera. He has made numerous concert recordings with great sopranos and was one of the “Three Tenors”—a venture that brought him mounting fame and fortune. in NYT Guide to Essential Knowledge