Peerce, Jan

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Peerce, Jan [ Perelmuth, Jacob Pincus] (b NY, 1904; d New Rochelle, NY, 1984). Amer. tenor. Trained as violinist, played and sang in dance-bands. Sang at Radio City Music Hall 1933–9. Opera début Philadelphia 1938 (Duke in Rigoletto). NY Met début 1941, becoming regular member of co. until 1966 and singing several times in Toscanini's NBC opera broadcasts. In 1956 was first Amer. to sing at Bolshoy since Second World War. Broadway début 1971 as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Made several films. Retired 1982. Brother-in-law of Richard Tucker.

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