Thomas, Thomas L. (Thomas Llyfnwy), 1911-1983.

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Thomas Llyfnwy Thomas (1911-1983), native of Maesteg, Wales, was an accomplished baritone who became renowned as "The Voice of Firestone." After the Thomas family settled in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Thomas became the youngest and first ever Welshman to win The New York Metropolitan Opera House's annual competition. He turned down a contract at the Met for a life of radio broadcasts, live concert performances, lectures, and charitable work. At one point, Thomas was considered the highest paid concert artist in the United States. He retained strong ties with Wales, however, including a selection of Welsh songs in each performance, being invited to join the Gorsedd of Bards, and helping launch a Welsh television station.

From the description of Thomas L. Thomas papers, 1924-1995 bulk circa 1950-1980. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 228630247

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Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Thomas, Thomas L. (Thomas Llyfnwy), 1911-1983. Thomas L. Thomas papers, 1924-1995 bulk circa 1950-1980. Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru. corporateBody
associatedWith Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. corporateBody
associatedWith Gilmour, Clyde 1912-1997. person
associatedWith Gorsedd y Beirdd corporateBody
associatedWith Metropolitan Opera (New York, N.Y.) corporateBody
associatedWith NBC Television Network. corporateBody
associatedWith Thomas, Celia 1917-1999. person
associatedWith Thomas, David Elwyn 1908-1981. person
associatedWith Thomas, Islyn. person
associatedWith United Church of Christ corporateBody
Place Name Admin Code Country
New York (State)--New York
United States
Wales, South
Pennsylvania--Scranton
Canada
Wales
Subject
Baritones (Singers)
Folk songs, Welsh
Foreign radio stations
Immigrants
Opera companies
Radio broadcasters
Radio programs
Television broadcasting of music
Television stations
Welsh Americans
Welsh newspapers
World War, 1939-1945
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1911

Death 1983

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SNAC ID: 61872035