Thomas Burke (tenor)

Burke's father was a labourer in the coal mines and his mother stayed at home to look after the family who lived at 7 Mather Lane.

The band competed at The Crystal Palace where Burke won the silver medal for the best individual cornet soloist.

The contract provided for Burke to study under Edgardo Levi at the Royal Academy of Music in London, whilst giving paid singing engagements at various venues in the capital.

[3] Burke studied with maestro Colli in Milan where he debuted at the Teatro Dal Verme as the Duke in Rigoletto.

Burke had a subsequent engagement in Palermo but before he was able to make his mark on Italian opera he was recalled home to be conscripted.

[12] Burke embarked on a North American career during the 1920s after accepting an offer from William Morris, a theatrical manager.

[14][15] He continued performing similar material until at least 1922 in a variety of locations including Washington D.C., Omaha and South Bend, Indiana.

Through the late 1920s and early 1930s Burke made recordings and appeared at live concerts such as the National Advertising Benevolent Society's Annual Festival.