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This Day in Arkansas History

April 15, 1927

Hot Springs (Garland County) native Mary Kidd Lewis, who became an acclaimed opera singer, ended her first season at the Metropolitan Opera House with a sudden marriage to the Met’s German bass/baritone, Michael Bohnen. Lewis was possibly the most publicized singer of the 1920s. Using her childhood training, she climbed her way to grand opera, gaining stage experience through vaudeville and operetta. Her career included radio performances and recordings with His Master’s Voice (HMV), Victor, and RCA.

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William Warfield

Helena (Phillips County) native William Warfield was a world-class bass-baritone known for his roles on stage, screen, and television. He began a successful singing career in 1946 but is perhaps best known for his role in the Hollywood production of Show Boat, in which he sang the song “Ol’ Man River.” Warfield once described himself as “an Arkansas boy from tip to toe.”

 

Helena (Phillips County) native William Warfield was a world-class bass-baritone known for his roles on stage, screen, and television. He began a successful singing career in 1946 but is perhaps best known for his role in the Hollywood production of Show Boat, in which he sang the song “Ol’ Man River.” Warfield once described himself as “an Arkansas boy from tip to toe.”

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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Our overview page covers everything you would want to know about our beautiful state, including state symbols, demographics and more!

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