James Atherton

James Peyton Atherton Jr (April 27, 1943 – November 20, 1987) was an American tenor and artistic director. Classically trained, he went on to sing with numerous American opera companies. He also performed on stage in Europe. Early life and career Atherton was born in Montgomery, Alabama, the son of James Peyton Atherton (1904–1972) and Anna Avery Thomas (1999–1993), both of Montgomery, Alabama. He studied at the Peabody Conservatory, in Baltimore primarily with Martial Singher and Rosa Ponselle. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1965. He shorted his name for the stage to simply "James Atherton" and had a successful career as a tenor and music director. He is listed as a noteworthy tenor in Marquis Who's Who and is recognized in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.