- Father of singer-composer-conductor Bobby McFerrin .
- He was the first black singer to become a regular member of the Metropolitan Opera, and the first black baritone to sing there. Among his most famous roles was the title role in Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto".
- First black male to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
- Provided the vocals for Sidney Poitier in "Porgy and Bess" (1959).
- He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in the role of Amonasro in Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida".
- Appeared at the Metropolitan Opera just three weeks after Marian Anderson's historic Met appearance.
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