#richardcrookes

[kelseysam]

Richard Crooks

Today, I added a new song to my favorites list titled: "Mi par d'udir Ancora" an opera song sung by my cousin, Richard Crooks. Richard was an opera tenor and a lead singer of the New York Metropolitan Opera, both a place and relative I had no idea existed until a few weeks ago.

My last name is odd, but the amount of family I have makes the Kennedys seem like a small clan, meaning I never rule out anyone with the Crooks name. The origin of my last name comes from the name Crooke, and the earliest recording of that name dates to pre-1700. Andrew and William Crooke were English publishers, significant in publishing Renaissance dramas and plays. From there, my family's origin doesn't resurface until we arrive in America from Ireland in 1800, where we reemerge as the Crooks.  

To explain, this isn't the first time in life I have stumbled upon relatives I didn't know I had. The problem with Irish migrants is that not only when they arrived in America their last names were changed or misspelled, but they also landed here without any documentation. My immediate clan were farmers, and from what I was told, we settled in Virginia and made our way down to upstate South Carolina, landing in Seneca. Having a great grandfather who was one of thirteen children and a grandfather who was one of eight makes for many cousins, but my elders were never much for sharing their lives and origins. We are a family of many secret affairs, secret love children, and not-so-secret alcoholics. Making my search of how Richard came into play feel like the most complicated piece to a puzzle. Not surprised but curious, I immediately started looking for where that piece fit; once I discovered that Richards parents were cousins of my great grandparents, it all made sense.

Richard Crooks was born the second son of Alexander and Elizabeth Crooks on June 26, 1900, in Trenton, New Jersey. Following several concert seasons as an oratorio and song recital specialist, including the American premiere of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, he traveled to Germany, where he made his operatic debut in Hamburg Cavaradossi in Puccini's Tosca in 1927. After his tour in other European cities such as Berlin, he returned to the US and made his American debut in 1930 in Philadelphia. He became a lead star of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, specializing in French and Italian operas. He participated in the farewell gala on March 29, 1936, for Spanish soprano Lucrezia Bori, which was broadcast nationally.

From 1928 to 1945, Crooks was the host of "The Voice of Firestone" radio broadcasts, in which he sang operatic arias, patriotic songs, folk songs, and popular hits such as "People Will Say We're In Love" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! in 1943. He also appeared on radio broadcasts with Bing Crosby, who remained a friend until Crooks' death.

For his work in recording, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1648 Vine Street.

A lot of information to take in, and none of which I’ve been exposed to living in Greenville for almost thirty years.  I am vocally challenged, just like the rest of my family who cannot carry a tune, so to find that a member of our family helped craft an entire genre of music and was rewarded for it immensely is quite remarkable. This fan of my cousin is one of many, and the reason he reached out to me is because, like myself, he couldn't figure out which Crooks was a descendant. I had no idea until my research that I have almost forty other cousins just on Richards's side of the family. I explained to this fan that he could jump off a boat into the middle of the ocean without knowing how to swim and have a better chance at surviving than I would have finding which relative possess the item he is trying to find. Richard's children have already passed away, and his many grandchildren are impossible to find since they are spread all over the west coast, his great-grandchildren, and even their children, I don't have names for. Thanks to his many fans, this has shed light on another part of my family I didn't know I had.

If I could find these cousins and understand more about Richard and his legacy, that would be great. It would explain a lot of creativity in my genetics (not the singing kind, of course). I will continue to find answers from his fans and the recorded stories of his work until I can't compile anymore. Maybe one day, I will get to speak with the family I don't know and remind them what so many still love about Richard's music and contributions to opera.

[pointer8708]

#bloodonthetracks #bobdylan #billberg #kevinodegard #chrisweber #billypetersen #tonybrown #ericweissberg #charlesbrownthe3rd #buddycage #thomasmcfaul #richardcrooks #peterostroushko #philramone #columbiarecords this is Bob’s return to Columbia Records - this record is fresh off Bob touring with #theband . I was so lucky as a young man to see that #dylanbandtour at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor. I have seen Bob so many times. My fave show was seeing him in St Paul MN shortly after the tragedy of 9/11 he so stepped up to make that show great. Now I so remember the first time I heard #tangledupinblue and was blown away - sad I missed #therollingthunderrevue the movie that #martinscorsese made simply awesome - Bob is great - this album is vivid reminder of his genius #yourgonnamakemelonesomewhenyougo that says it all - dedicated to my other 60’s icon #seanconnery Enjoy! (at Hollywood Hills) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHEe-GFHGMG/?igshid=43c1so824auk

[nasu-no-hana]

Leonard Cohen / Various Position (1984) 曇天、今週はずっと雨。一日中、コーエンのレコードを聴いていたい。 「悲しみのダンス」や「ハレルヤ」などの名曲を収録。ジェニファー・ウォーンズがヴォーカルで参加。 #LeonardCohen #JenniferWarnes #JohnCrawder #RichardCrooks #SidMcGinnis Produced by #JohnLissauer #cd #cdcollection #coverart #albumart #album #nowplaying #nowspinning #vinyl #vinylcollection #musiccollection #lp #rock #singersongwriter #poprock #ColumbiaRecords #1984 #宮古島 #coffee #コーヒー (宮古島) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Hf-TmpI-g/?igshid=1a6zpludbgq57

[soulreflectiontarot]

Today's Card of The Day speaks of Patience, New Beginnings, Divine Connections and Divine Love. The cards are from Angels Of Atlantis Oracle Cards by Stewart Pearce (Illustrated by Richard Crookes) and The Soul Reflection's Cosmic Energy Oracle Deck by Nadine Swiger. This is a very interesting draw with a powerful message. Please take a moment to read. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Interpretation is in the comments. . . . #cardsoftheday #cardsofinstagram #oraclecards #oraclecardreading #cardslingersofinstagram #atlantisoracle #angeloraclecards #cosmicenergyhealing #orion #orionconstellation #orionsbelt #betelgeuse #betelguesestar #planetaryoracle #galaxyoracle #orionstarseed #aamichael #shamael #angelsofatlantisoracle #angelsofatlantisoraclecards #theangelsofatlantiswithstewart #stewartpearcethevoice #stewartpearce #richardcrookes #cosmicenergyoracle #soulreflectionoraclecards #soulreflectionoracle #nadineswiger https://www.instagram.com/p/CNh1tA_nlyb/?igshid=1wrnnetybki0x

[gnubay]

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A post shared by GNUWHIT (Gary Whitworth Brower) (@gnuwhit)

#StephenFoster #RichardCrooks Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway #ShopVinyls #Gnubay #Vinyl #Records Share the Love. Materials presented are for review purposes only. I may receive income when following links. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqajML0nQER/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=161buaxonk5on

[ajweiner3]

#nowplaying #LeonardCohen #VariousPositions #1985 #PassportRecords #digitalaudio via #AmazonPrime #JohnLissauer #SidMcGinnis #RichardCrooks #JenniferWarnes #JohnCrowder #AnjaniThomas #CrissieFaith ErinDickens LaniGroves MerleMiller RonGetman YvonneLewis

[ebenalconstruct]

Weekends must be pretty sweet here. Mosman job coming to an end. 👍 . . . . . . #construction...

Weekends must be pretty sweet here. Mosman job coming to an end. 👍 . . . . . . #construction #constructionwork #aussiebuilders #rennovation #remodel #newconstruction #constructionsite #site #build #builder #tradie #machinery #crane #tools #scaffolding #architecture #commercial #residential #luxurydesign #design #designandconstruct #contractor #mlpco #sydney #mosman #richardcrookes (RSS generated with FetchRss) from https://www.instagram.com/p/BkCcHIPB12K

[tahitianstarseed]

Astrological reading for Scorpio Sunsign born October 24-November 22 For July 17-31, 2018 #scorpio #scorpio♏ #scorpiosunsign #astrologyreadingcards #astrology #astrologyreadings #sunsigns #horoscope #zodiacsigns #zodiac #astrologyreading #universallessons #oracleguidance #oraclecards #tarot #tarotcommunity #tarotcards #constellation #constellations #moonandstars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes

[tahitianstarseed]

Astrological reading for Aries Sunsign born March 21-April 20 For July 17-31, 2018 #astrologyreading #astrologicalreading #astrology #astro #astroreading #horoscope #zodiac #sunsigns #aries #aries♈ #universallessons #oraclecardreading #ariessunsign #tarot #tarotcommunity #oracle #oraclecommunity #tarotreading #thefirsthouse #chiron #mercury #astrologyreadingcards #planets #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes

[tahitianstarseed]

*Using*Astrology Reading Cards. Your Personal Guidance From The Stars by Alison Chester-Lambert, Illustrations by Richard Crookes for Pisces♓, Sun, Moon, Rising, & Venus Signs. (1 Card Pull) May not resonate for all but you will know from within if it does or not.*DM me if in need for a personal reading and price.* #astrologyreadingcards #personalguidancefromthestars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes #pisces #pisceses #pisces♓ #♓ #piscessun #piscesmoon #piscesrising #piscesvenus #astrologyreadings #zodiacreadings #astrology #zodiac #zodiacsigns #astro #horoscopes #tarot #tarotreadings #oraclereadings #tarotcommunity #oracle #spiritualmessages #capricornastrologyreadingcard https://www.instagram.com/p/B1WM0IAnI-U/?igshid=14fyj0a6tjb9m

[tahitianstarseed]

*Using*Astrology Reading Cards. Your Personal Guidance From The Stars by Alison Chester-Lambert, Illustrations by Richard Crookes for Scorpio♏, Sun, Moon, Rising, & Venus Signs. (1 Card Pull) May not resonate for all but you will know from within if it does or not.*DM me if in need for a personal reading and price.* #astrologyreadingcards #personalguidancefromthestars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes #scorpio #scorpios #scorpio♏ #♏ #scorpiosun #scorpiomoon #scorpiorising #scorpiovenus #astrologyreadings #zodiacreadings #astrology #zodiac #zodiacsigns #astro #horoscopes #tarot #tarotreadings #oraclereadings #tarotcommunity #oracle #spiritualmessages #thesecondhouse https://www.instagram.com/p/B1WFpvCnKWS/?igshid=4vnb2u3dsq0b

[tahitianstarseed]

*Using*Astrology Reading Cards. Your Personal Guidance From The Stars by Alison Chester-Lambert, Illustrations by Richard Crookes for Cancer♋, Sun, Moon, Rising, & Venus Signs. (1 Card Pull) May not resonate for all but you will know from within if it does or not.*DM me if in need for a personal reading and price.* #astrologyreadingcards #personalguidancefromthestars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes #canver #cancers #cancer♋ #♋ #cancersun #cancermoon #cancerrising #cancervenus #astrologyreadings #zodiacreadings #astrology #zodiac #zodiacsigns #astro #horoscopes #tarot #tarotreadings #oraclereadings #tarotcommunity #oracle #spiritualmessages #theninthhouse https://www.instagram.com/p/B1WEYETnCDi/?igshid=156yvv857xqw9

[tahitianstarseed]

*Using*Astrology Reading Cards. Your Personal Guidance From The Stars by Alison Chester-Lambert, Illustrations by Richard Crookes for Sagittarius♐, Sun, Moon, Rising, & Venus Signs. (1 Card Pull) May not resonate for all but you will know from within if it does or not.*DM me if in need for a personal reading and price.* #astrologyreadingcards #personalguidancefromthestars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes #sagittarius #sagittariuses #sagittarius♐ #♐ #sagittariussun #sagittariusmoon #sagittariusrising #sagittariusvenus #astrologyreadings #zodiacreadings #astrology #zodiac #zodiacsigns #astro #horoscopes #tarot #tarotreadings #oraclereadings #tarotcommunity #oracle #spiritualmessages #vestaastrologyreadingcard https://www.instagram.com/p/B1WCmF_nQyA/?igshid=1am1e1bapxihx

[tahitianstarseed]

*Using*Astrology Reading Cards. Your Personal Guidance From The Stars by Alison Chester-Lambert, Illustrations by Richard Crookes for Leo♌, Sun, Moon, Rising, & Venus Signs. (1 Card Pull) May not resonate for all but you will know from within if it does or not.*DM me if in need for a personal reading and price.* #astrologyreadingcards #personalguidancefromthestars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes #leo #leos #leo♌ #♌ #leosun #leomoon #leorising #leovenus #astrologyreadings #zodiacreadings #astrology #zodiac #zodiacsigns #astro #horoscopes #tarot #tarotreadings #oraclereadings #tarotcommunity #oracle #spiritualmessages #venusastrologyreadingcard https://www.instagram.com/p/B1V82VwntF1/?igshid=vpmrvpk501l8

[tahitianstarseed]

*Using*Astrology Reading Cards. Your Personal Guidance From The Stars by Alison Chester-Lambert, Illustrations by Richard Crookes for Aries♈, Sun, Moon, Rising, & Venus Signs. (1 Card Pull) May not resonate for all but you will know from within if it does or not.*DM me if in need for a personal reading and price.* #astrologyreadingcards #personalguidancefromthestars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes #aries #arieses #aries♈ #♈ #ariessun #ariesmoon #ariesrising #ariesvenus #astrologyreadings #zodiacreadings #astrology #zodiac #zodiacsigns #astro #horoscopes #tarot #tarotreadings #oraclereadings #tarotcommunity #oracle #spiritualmessages #mercuryastrologyreadingcard https://www.instagram.com/p/B1V79p9H8eT/?igshid=3wykqoycsh6o

[tahitianstarseed]

*Using*Astrology Reading Cards. Your Personal Guidance From The Stars by Alison Chester-Lambert, Illustrations by Richard Crookes for Aquarius♒, Sun, Moon, Rising, & Venus Signs. (1 Card Pull) May not resonate for all but you will know from within if it does or not.*DM me if in need for a personal reading and price.* #astrologyreadingcards #personalguidancefromthestars #alisonchesterlambert #richardcrookes #aquarius #aquariuses #aquarius♒ #♒ #aquariussun #aquariusmoon #aquariusrising #aquariusvenus #astrologyreadings #zodiacreadings #astrology #zodiac #zodiacsigns #astro #horoscopes #tarot #tarotreadings #oraclereadings #tarotcommunity #oracle #spiritualmessages #theeleventhhouse https://www.instagram.com/p/B1V2s_yHSi4/?igshid=10cu90yrgb833