Composer of the first opera by an American composer to be broadcast on radio, "The King's Henchman," with a libretto by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Originally broadcast from a New York studio, the work later briefly entered the repertoire of the Metropolitan Opera, where Lawrence Tibbett scored one of his first major successes as the baritone lead.
His daughter Joan was born in December, 1926.
Is portrayed by James LeGros in Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle (1994)
One of the best-known musical figures of the first half of the 20th century, Deems Taylor was a composer, radio commentator, author, and educator. Today, he is probably best known at the host/narrator of Disney's film classic "Fantasia".
Served, with Milton Cross, as co-commentator during the first season of Metropolitan Opera broadcasts (NBC: 1931-32). Commenting on the action while the opera was in progress, much as if it were a sporting event, he was relieved of his duties when many listeners complained that "some idiot keeps talking," disrupting the music. After that, commentary on the broadcasts, which continue today, was confined to before the opera and between the acts.