A talented bass, Timberlake performed in operas and musicals in theatres throughout North America in addition to acting in plays from the 1940s through the 1980s.
[1] In the early 1950s, Timberlake joined Fred Waring's "Pennsylvanians", performing and recording with the group for many years.
In 1954 he won the American Theatre Wing's singing competition which led to his New York City recital debut in March of that year at Town Hall.
[3] Later that year he joined the roster of singers at the New York City Opera where his roles included "The Accompanist" in the world premiere of Hugo Weisgall's Six Characters in Search of an Author.
In his later years he worked as a producer and music consultant for the Community of Jesus's touring choir, Gloriae Dei Cantores, for a total of 13 recordings.