Met soprano dies, aged 63
RIPWe have been notified of the death of Jan Grissom, a cherished soprano for two decades at the Metropolitan Opera, Houston and Hamburg Staatsoper. She had been suffering from breast cancer and died on Christmas Eve.
In later years, she taught at Mississippi State University and latterly was professor of voice and opera at Brenau University in Gainesville.
She is survived by a son, Kent.
Jan Grissom was a charming performer blessed with a really lovely voice. She was also an outstanding human being, filled with love for every living creature on this planet. Her “ Southerness” was just an additional charm she brought to every interaction with her.
I was fortunate to have first met Jan when she entered the Houston Opera Studio in the mid 1980s. Both coaching and performing with Jan Grissom were treats for me.
We reconnect a few years ago via Facebook and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
R. I. P. you talented, kind and most special lady.
Norman! She sang all of three performances with the Met, all in concerts in city parks in the NYC area: one “Ballo” (1991 in a park in New Jersey); two performances of “La bohème” (2002; Queens and Staten Island).
So: this qualifies her as “MET SOPRANO”?
Let it go. Presumably she sang three more performances with the Met than you.
Simply mourn another human’s passing.
RIP
Amen. There are always negative bitter people in the world like Bosch that should keep their mouth shut. I went to College at UNA with Jan Grissom. An amazing talent, singer and human being. Even the wonderful Kathleen Battle said Grissom’s voice was gorgeous.
Jan was my apartment mate at UNA. She was a very special person. We also went to NEMCC together since we were from the same area.
A beautiful talented lady who will be missed by so many.
Well said Jeff. I got to know Jan in Jr College in the the late 70’s. We were roommates and became great friends. Her voice was phenomenal. Jan was a very loving and caring human. She was beautiful inside and out. Her flair for styling was excellent, she taught me the importance of accessories and poise. Just being around her made me a better person. I let her talk me into being in choir!! lol
I just can’t imagine anyone having anything negative to say about our Sweet Jan.
I will always miss you my dear friend. Thank you for all that you did to make this a better and more beautiful place for each of us and all of the countless animals you helped have a better life.
Rest In Peace Jan
This is her son. I’d like for you to say that to my face one day, I really would. What a vile person.
I saw that Mobile Opera Baby Doe. It was pretty wonderful, as I recall. Sad to hear of her death.
I met Jan in the early 80s when she had come to University of Houston. We were in an opera workshop together. The moment I met her, I was struck by how kind, sweet, and genuine she was. The opera world can sometimes be rather cutthroat. She was like a ray of sunshine! I’m glad to have met her and sung with her briefly. I kept up with her career a bit, and my understanding is that she never changed from the lovely person she was. Kent, I can only imagine what joy you must have brought her, and she you. I’m sorry for your loss.
I met Jan at Houston Grand Opera. I was a super when she performed at the Texas Opera Co.’s production of La Boheme in Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park and was thrilled to hear her sing every night. I was in several other productions with her and got to know her as not only a great artist but a special person and am heartbroken to hear this sad news. My condolences to her son Kent.