Farewell, Luciano

Lucaino Pavarotti, one of the greatest operatic tenors of all time, passed away early this morning at his villa in Italy, according to the Associated Press. Pavarotti was known as the king of operatic showmen, and was blessed both with a glorious voice and a winning personality, by all accounts. As the AP wrote,

Pavarotti's charismatic personna and ebullient showmanship - but most of all his creamy and powerful voice - made him the most beloved and celebrated tenor since the great Caruso and one of the few opera singers to win crossover fame as a popular superstar.
"He has been, of course, one of the greatest tenors ever, one of the most important singers in the history of opera," colleague Jose Carreras told reporters in Germany. "We all hoped for a miracle ... but unfortunately that was not possible, and now we have to regret that we lost a wonderful singer and a great man."

While I myself spend the majority of my time playing jazz, I have played in a number of operatic productions, and have had the honor to hear Pavarotti in concert as well. He was a true superstar, and his talent will be sorely missed.

Thank you for everything and rest in peace, Luciano Pavarotti.