Samuel Ramey

Samuel Ramey (b. 1942) is an American opera singer and basso cantate noted for his versatility and the beauty of his voice. He is particularly admired for his ability to handle difficult bel canto roles in the operas of Handel and Rossini, as well as his portrayals in such diverse roles as Mozart's Figaro, Verdi's King Philip, and Gounod's M&eacute;phistoph&eacute;l&egrave;s.

He appeared on Sesame Street in toreador costume, singing a song to the letter "L". The tune was taken from the famous Couplets de Tor&eacute;ador from Bizet's Carmen, an aria Ramey has performed many times in concert, on recordings and in productions of the opera.