Jean Madeira, née Jean Browning (November 14, 1918, in Centralia, Illinois – July 10, 1972, in Providence, Rhode Island) was an American contralto, particularly known for her work in late-romantic German repertoire such as the operas of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss.
In 1955, the singer and actress successfully sang the title role in Carmen with the Vienna State Opera.
Her last appearance there was in Elektra, opposite Birgit Nilsson and Leonie Rysanek.
[1][2] Jean Madeira was a second-cousin of the composer Amy Beth Kirsten.
[citation needed] Madeira's television debut occurred on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 19, 1956.