- Rankin, Nell
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▪ 2006American mezzo-soprano (b. Jan. 3, 1924, Montgomery, Ala.—d. Jan. 13, 2005, New York, N.Y.), was known for her warm tones in recitals and marquee opera roles during a 30-year career. Rankin made her public debut in a 1947 recital in New York City; her operatic debut was in the role of Ortrud in Lohengrin for the Zürich Opera Company in 1949. In 1951 Rankin made debuts at La Scala in Milan, at the Vienna State Opera, and at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, all in the role of Amneris in Aida. She enjoyed continued worldwide success onstage until she retired in the mid-1970s, after which she taught music until 1991.
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Universalium. 2010.