People: Golden Moments

In Birmingham, technicians asked the visiting Metropolitan Opera troupe to have their pictures taken to help launch a new mobile X-ray unit. Soprano Lily Pons agreed, and tossed out a challenge: "You will see the most wonderful lungs you have ever seen . . . I can hold my breath longer than anyone else at the Metropolitan. What's more I can sing [a continuous perfect high note] for 13 seconds without taking in more air." Tenor Jan Peerce countered with his boast: "I can hold my breath one minute and 13 seconds with my mouth full of pebbles." Basso Norman Scott...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!