Jussi Björling - La Belle Hélène (1938)

With apologies to Nicolai Gedda, Gösta Winbergh, Set Svanholm, Torsten Ralf and Aroldo Lindi, when one mentions the term “Great Swedish Tenor”, a single name comes to mind…Jussi Björling (1911-1960). This legendary artist’s 30 year career encompassed opera, concert, film, radio and television, not to mention hundreds of recordings. Born Johan Jonatan Björling in Stora Tuna, Borlänge, the young Björling was initially trained by his father, tenor David Björling, a former member of the Met’s Opera School. Along with brothers Olle and Gösta, Jussi began touring as part of the Björling Boys Trio in 1915. The boys enjoyed a certain regional acclaim and even toured the U.S. in 1920, making a few recordings along the way. Following David’s death in 1926, the group disbanded and Jussi found work as a car washer and lamp salesman. In 1928, he enrolled in the Stockholm Royal Conservatory, where he pursued further studies with baritone John Forsell. Björling’s preliminary debu