Nadine Conner

Nadine Conner
Nadine Conner in 1937
Born	Evelyn Nadine Henderson February 20, 1907 Compton, California
Died	March 1, 2003, age 96 Los Angeles, California
Other names	Olga Bagdonova
Alma mater	University of California
Occupation	Singer
Spouse(s)	____ Conner (? - ?) Dr Laurance Heacock (1939 - 1987, his death)
Children	1 daughter 1 son

Nadine Conner (February 20, 1907 - March 1, 2003) was an American operatic soprano, radio singer and music teacher.

She was born in Compton, California as Evelyn Nadine Henderson, and was the descendent of some of the earliest non-Hispanic settlers in California.

Conner had six siblings, and all seven children sang. The family lived on a farm outside of Los Angeles, California. Her parents built their own theater, staging a variety of shows.

Diagnosed as a teenager with pulmonary disease, her doctor suggested she try studying classical singing to strengthen her lungs, as was customary at the time. Following his instructions, she began studying privately with Hollywood-based tenor, Amado Fernandez, during high school. In a fluke of fate, a great voice and singing talent emerged. Her natural potential revealed, she went on to study more seriously with Horatio Cogswell, and later in New York City with Florence Easton.

Conner attended Compton High School in Compton, California, and studied music at the University of California,(Another source says the University of Southern California.) where she was active in the Glee Club.

Conner's radio debut came in 1933. After passing an audition, she was given a role on California Melodies. On radio, she was the featured singer on Shell Chateau and was a member of the cast of Showboat. She also appeared on The Voice of Firestone and with stars such as Bing Crosby and Nelson Eddy. She did a musical tour with Gordon MacRae.

But by the end of 1939, she was embarking on a career in classical opera. She made her professional debut in 1940 as Marguerite in Vladimir Rosing's Los Angeles production of Gounod's Faust. She sang with the Los Angeles Opera from 1939 to 1941. In 1941, she began her career at the Metropolitan Opera, making her debut as Pamina in The Magic Flute (sung in English).