Nov 26 2024 41 mins 2
Limmie Pulliam made his debut at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 47, an improbable achievement for a man who left the opera world in his early 20s, disheartened by an industry that prioritized image over talent, Pulliam spent years working as a debt collector and security guard—rarely singing at all.
In this episode, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar speaks with the dramatic tenor about his inspiring return to music, including the serendipitous moment in 2007 that reignited his career. From his transformative years at the Oberlin Conservatory with legendary vocal pedagogue Richard Miller to his triumphant performance at Carnegie Hall with the Oberlin Orchestra, Pulliam’s story is one of resilience, faith, and reclaiming a voice that was meant to be heard.
What We Cover in This Episode
The Early Years: How Pulliam’s gospel roots and middle school choir teacher uncovered his gift for singing.
Oberlin Conservatory and Richard Miller: The role Oberlin played in shaping Pulliam’s artistry and the impact of Miller’s mentorship.
Overcoming Industry Bias: The challenges Pulliam faced as a young tenor and how rejection nearly silenced his voice.
A Career Reignited: The surprising 2007 moment that brought Pulliam back to music after years away from the stage.
From Carnegie Hall to Omar: Pulliam’s powerful performances, including his recent collaboration on the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar by Oberlin alumna Rhiannon Giddens.
Lessons in Resilience: Why Pulliam believes setbacks are opportunities to grow and how he inspires audiences with every performance.
Episode Links
The Story of Oberlin Conservatory
Learn more about the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, its renowned alumni, and its role in shaping the careers of artists like Limmie Pulliam.
https://www.oberlin.edu/conservatory
Richard Miller: The Structure of Singing
Discover the book that introduced Limmie to Oberlin. Richard Miller’s The Structure of Singing is a must-read for vocalists seeking to refine their technique and artistry.
https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Singing-System-Vocal-Technique/dp/0534255353
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Opera: Omar
Explore the groundbreaking opera Omar by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels, where Limmie Pulliam takes on a starring role in Oberlin’s upcoming production.
He Quit Singing Because of Body Shaming. Now He’s Making a Comeback.
Learn more about Pulliam’s remarkable return to the stage
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/23/arts/music/limmie-pulliam-opera-body-shaming.html
Opera singer Tenor Limmie Pulliam reflects on his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 47
Read about how tenor Limmie Pulliam overcame rejection and a decade-long hiatus to make his triumphant Carnegie Hall debut
Running to the Noise, Episode 9: More than Music with Rhiannon Giddens
Hear about Omar’s creation from Pulliam’s friend and classmate Rhiannon Giddens
https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-9
