Johan Jonatan "Jussi" Björling (help·info) (sometimes spelled as "Bjoerling" in English-language sources) (5 February 1911 ? 9 September 1960) was a highly regarded Swedish operatic tenor. Björling was one of the few non-Latin tenors to rival the Italian dominance of the opera world at that time. Björling was born in Borlänge, Sweden in February 1911. The midwife's register shows he was born on 5 February; however, the church baptism records erroneously show 2 February, and this was the day on which he celebrated his birthday throughout his life. [1] He was taught to sing by his father, David, an accomplished vocalist, and made his debut public appearance at the age of four with the Björling Male Quartet. The group performed in concerts throughout Sweden and the United States for eleven and a half years.