Biography

In 1948, he debuted as an opera singer in the New York City Opera (NYCO) in Verdi's Aida as Amonasro.

In 1949 he came to Europe for the first time, drawing particular acclaim for a recital given in Berlin. He also gave concert tours in Central America and in the United States Virgin Islands.

In 1950 he joined the roster of principle baritones at the Royal Swedish Opera where he sang a number of roles for two seasons.

In 1951, he sang the role of Porgy opposite Camilla Williams's Bess in the most complete recording of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess made up to that time.

Winters was part of the first generation of black opera singers to achieve wide success and is viewed as part of an instrumental group of performers who helped break down the barriers of racial prejudice in the opera world.