February 17, 1907

Marjorie Florence Lawrence, a star soprano who rebuilt her career after being stricken with polio, was born in Dean’s Marsh, Victoria, Australia. After having sung in many of the world’s leading opera houses, Lawrence made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York in 1935 and became a fixture there until 1941. She later established a home in Hot Springs (Garland County) and advanced the study of classical music by holding coaching sessions at her home.