In a rare nod to the world of classical music, Google's search page today features the great American-born, Greek soprano. Callas was born in New York City on December 2, 1923 and went on to become one of the most celebrated opera singers of all time, bringing to her performances a dramatic intensity that put her on a par with the greatest of stage actors. She recorded extensively for EMI, leaving an extraordinary legacy that includes classic interpretations of Verdi and Puccini – her Tosca with Giuseppe di Stefano and Tito Gobbi, conducted by Victor de Sabata, is considered by many one of the greatest recordings of all time – as well as works by early Italians like Bellini, Donizetti, Rossini, plus a rare excursion into the French repertoire as Bizet's Carmen.

Callas was voted into Gramophone's Hall of Fame as soon as it was launched. Visit our Hall of Fame page for a biography, a tribute by Angela Gheorghiu as well as a profile by John Steane.