Adele Addison (born July 24, 1925) is an American soprano whose career was most visible in the mid-20th century. She became known in the classical music community during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing as an opera singer but concentrating largely on recital and concert work. Much of her concert repertoire emphasized music from the Baroque era. She is also remembered for providing the singing voice of Bess in the 1959 film Porgy and Bess, for the on-screen performance by Dorothy Dandridge.
Early life
Addison was born in New York City on July 24, 1925. Her family later moved to Springfield, in Massachusetts, where she spent much of her youth. Her early musical experiences in these communities led to a professional career in vocal performance.
Career
Although trained and capable in staged opera, Addison built a reputation primarily as a recitalist and concert soloist. Critics and audiences praised the clarity and refinement of her voice, particularly in works from earlier stylistic periods. Her studio work for motion pictures brought her voice to a broader public through the dubbing used in Porgy and Bess.
Personal life and health
Addison has lived with diabetes since childhood; some accounts identify her condition as type 2 diabetes. In 1958 she married Norman Berger, a research scientist who served on the faculty at New York University. The couple remained married for 47 years; Berger died in 2005 after their long marriage.