Menzies, Ivan, 1896-

Elsie Griffin was born on December 6, 1895 in Bristol. She made her stage debut during World War I with Lena Ashwell's Company, formed at the request of King George V to entertain Britain's troops in France. The lyricist Fred E. Weatherby, impressed by her voice, brought her his song, "Danny Boy". Her singing resulted in one of the most popular hits of the era.

Griffin joined the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1919, immediately appearing on tour as Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore, Kate in Yeomen of the Guard, and Gianetta in The Gondoliers. In 1921, she added the roles of Yum-Yum in The Mikado and Rose Maybud in Ruddigore . In 1927, she left the company but returned from time to time to participate in recordings. Between 1934 and 1937 she joined with the Carl Rosa Opera Company, singing the leading soprano roles in Die Fledermaus, The Barber of Seville, Carmen, The Tales of Hoffman, Pagliacci and Elixir of Love .

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