Only two singers in the Met's history have made more appearances with the company: Charles Anthony and George Cehanovsky.
Born in Pernate (Novara), Badà studied singing in his native city with Cecilio Manfredi.
He spent the next eight years performing mainly comprimario roles in major opera houses in Italy, including La Scala in Milan and the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples.
During those years he also appeared as a guest artist in operas, recitals, and concerts in Europe, South America, Australia, and Africa.
After retiring from the Met, Badà returned to Novara, where he built a large home and lived quietly.