The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-12-11
By DOLLY DALRYMPLE

mack's most ardent admirers now though he had never heard him be- fore the selection of this record for The Years of Discretion"
 Hall Caine the famous novelist is another of the greatest admirers of the distinguished tenor.
 1t was about two years ago thar the author of Tho Christian" first heard the great tenor that everybody else was talking about. It was on the occasion of MT. McCormack's first visit to Ostend The first song made a great impression on the noveliee, and when he had heard a few more items rendered as he had never heard them before, he was quite unable to keeps his feelings to himself, After the concert at any rate, he took out one of his cards, on which he wrote a few words. and then sent 1t up to the artist.
 The message on the card was very complimentary and read as follows. This has been one of the delightful treats of my life. Allow me to thank you for and compliment you on the most beautiful and human singing I've ever listened to-"
 John Mccormack's fayorIte mu- sical instrument is the violin, and he plays 1t with a skill that has led number of intimates to remark that If he hadn't chosen to be a great singer he might have been a great violinist. But this Is the age of spe- eisli2ation. even in the broad realm of art
 He owns four of the finest violina in America at the present moment. One of these was in the possession of Lyon & Healy, Chicago, for sev-
  all the great violinists who have vls- ited this country during the past quarter of a century It was known as tho "Healy Strad" This violin was purchased by MT. Mccormack in 1915 for the sum of S1O,500, and is now known and registered as the ''McCormaok Strad." At the same time he secured for ts0e tho bow used for several years by the great Pagannin4-
 Besides these wonderful violins Mir. Mccormack owns some of the most beautiful paintings and works of art in the world. having recently paid s16o.00 for one picture alone, thus advancing his ambition to own the finest private collection" of paint inRs in America.
 As an evidence of John McCor- mack'B popularity ono of the most interesting things that was ever done for him was the big testimonial din ner at the Wa1dorf-Astoria on May 1. 192o, on the eve of his departure for tour of the world. given in recognition of his patriotic services to tho United States, his transcen- dent ability as an artist. and his sterling qualities as a man" was an epochal occasion Gone of the grandest tributes ever paid to private citi- zen in the American metropolis. 1,200 people, representing every element In the community, being present), and so was his first public appearance after his return.
 A still more remarkable event was awaiting. At similar benefit In the Auditorium theatre. Chicago. five days later, he established a new worlds record. with total receipts of sSo.ooo.
 With the acclaim of these achieve ments and with his European laurels fresh upon him. the name and Tame of John Mccormack took on a live Her interest fdr his fellow citizens of the United States. The critics hailed him with rekipdled warmth i of enthusiasm.
 "The famous singer brought back with him all of his delightful voice and all his excellence Of art said W. J. Henderson of the New York l Herald.
 "McCormack never sang with such heartfelt warmth. such a depth of feeling and such beautiful lyricism as he did last evening"" writes Mau- rice Rosenfeld in the Chicago News.
 With the fruits of his research our- ing his foreign tour in 1s20-21 and with the selections he has made from the best recent work of American song writers, he has been especially fortunate in the quantity and qual- ity of new material for his programs this season. many of which will be heard when he sings in Birmingham on the afternoon of December Is.
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