Voices of these 'Singing Mules' were heard around the world

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

You have to hand it to the music teachers of Poplar Bluff High School. They have produced world-class opera tenors. Jerry Pruett graduated from PBHS in 1959. He participated in the band and choir. Jerry polished his musical skills at the University of Colorado earning a masters degree in music. He returned to Poplar Bluff as the Junior High music teacher. He still dreamed of being an operatic tenor and began taking voice lessons. Jerry was discovered by Nicolai Gedda and made his professional debut in 1974 at Carnegie Hall. There was no stopping him. Jerry traveled to Austria and performed in the Vienna Volksoper as lead tenor for the next four years. From there, he toured Europe for the next two decades performing in operas and movies. Jerry returned to the United States in 1989 as a music teacher at the University of Connecticut.

Jeffrey Francis was also a “Singing Mule.” He graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 1976. Jeffrey studied under Augusto Paglialunga at the University of Washington. Upon graduation, he performed with the Seattle Opera as a vocal tenor. He soon travelled to Anchorage, New York, St. Louis and Florida, participating in their operas. As his fame grew, Jeffrey performed in Australia, Spain, Belgium, Germany, England and Israel. He spent many years in Berlin and Innsbruck establishing their musical programs. Jeffrey retired in Israel, working as a voice coach in Jerusalem.

If you’re wondering who the inspiring music teachers from Poplar Bluff High School were, they were Jeanie Stewart in 1959 and Evelyn Jones in 1976. Bravissimo! The profiles of Jerry Pruett and Jeffrey Francis are on display in the People Room of the Poplar Bluff Museum. Additionally, you can sample a performance of Jeffrey Francis by clicking on his profile QR Code with your phone app.

The museum is open free of charge and handicap accessible. It is open 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 N. Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.