Lily Pons

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Lily Pons was the stage name of Alice Joséphine Pons (April 12, 1898 – February 13, 1976), a French‑American opera singer and actress. She was a lyric coloratura soprano who became a prominent star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where she sang about 300 times between 1931 and 1960. She was especially known for roles like Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor and Lakmé.

Born in Draguignan, France, Pons studied piano at the Paris Conservatory and began her singing career in France before moving to the United States. She made her Met debut on January 3, 1931, as Lucia; after that, her first name was typically spelled Lily. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1940.

Personal life: Pons married August Mesritz in 1930; they divorced in 1933. She later married conductor Andre Kostelanetz in 1938, and they remained together until 1958. With Kostelanetz, she toured to entertain troops during World War II, performing for U.S. servicemen in 1944–45.

Beyond the Met, Pons appeared in three RKO films in the mid-1930s and made numerous radio and television appearances. She retired from performing in 1973, but gave a highly successful concert at Lincoln Center in May 1972, conducted by Kostelanetz.

Recordings and legacy: Pons made many records for RCA Victor, Odeon, and Columbia, covering opera excerpts and songs. France honored her with the Croix de Lorraine and the Légion d’honneur. A Maryland town named Lilypons was named in her honor. She died of pancreatic cancer in Dallas, Texas, and was buried in Cannes, France.