George Britton (musician)

George Britton was an American singer, actor, and guitarist. A classical bassbaritone, he had an active performing career in operas, concerts, and musicals during the 1930s through the 1960s. As a stage performer he is best known for succeeding Ezio Pinza in the role of Emile de Becque in the original Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammersteins South Pacific. He portrayed the role for two years opposite Martha Wright as Nellie Forbush.

Britton was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, to parents of Irish and Pennsylvania Dutch descent. He studied at Columbia University where he graduated with a music degree in 1932. He notably was awarded the Gold Kings Crowns Award by the University his senior year. He pursued graduate studies in voice at the Juilliard School, studying voice with Anna E. SchoenRen, a student of Pauline ViardotGarca and Manuel Garca, earning a masters degree in 1936. While at Juilliard he notably appeared in the New York premiere of Richard Strausss Ariadne auf Naxos and portrayed Etienne in the world premiere of Robert Russell Bennetts Maria Malibran opposite Helen Marshall in the title role and Ris Stevens as Cornelia.

Source: Wikipedia