
Limmie Pulliam
Operatic Tenor
- Lifespan
- January 10, 1976 – May 20, 2026Jan 10, 1976 – May 20, 2026
- Location
- Kennett, Missouri, USAKennett, MO

Operatic Tenor
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Key moments and achievements from Limmie Pulliam's life.
Limmie was born
· Kennett, Missouri, USA
Graduation
Pulliam graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in 1998. During his time there, he was a student of the renowned vocal pedagogue Richard Miller. This education provided the technical foundation for his future career as a dramatic tenor.
Graduation
Pulliam graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in 1998. During his time there, he was a student of the renowned vocal pedagogue Richard Miller. This education provided the technical foundation for his future career as a dramatic tenor.
Hiatus
Pulliam stepped away from professional singing for over a decade due to disillusionment with industry body shaming. During this period, he worked as a debt collector and a security guard. He also operated his own private security business while away from the stage.
Hiatus
Pulliam stepped away from professional singing for over a decade due to disillusionment with industry body shaming. During this period, he worked as a debt collector and a security guard. He also operated his own private security business while away from the stage.
Performance
While volunteering for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, Pulliam was asked to sing the National Anthem. This performance sparked his return to music after years of silence. It served as the emotional turning point that led him back to professional training.
Performance
While volunteering for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, Pulliam was asked to sing the National Anthem. This performance sparked his return to music after years of silence. It served as the emotional turning point that led him back to professional training.
Award
Pulliam won the Artist Division of the National Opera Association's Vocal Competition. This victory marked his formal return to the operatic stage. It signaled to the industry that his voice was ready for the most demanding dramatic roles.
Award
Pulliam won the Artist Division of the National Opera Association's Vocal Competition. This victory marked his formal return to the operatic stage. It signaled to the industry that his voice was ready for the most demanding dramatic roles.
Performance
Pulliam made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Radamès in Verdi's 'Aida.' He became the first Black tenor in the history of the house to perform this specific role. The performance was a critical milestone in his late-career rise.
Performance
Pulliam made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Radamès in Verdi's 'Aida.' He became the first Black tenor in the history of the house to perform this specific role. The performance was a critical milestone in his late-career rise.
Performance
Pulliam performed the title role in R. Nathaniel Dett's oratorio 'The Ordering of Moses.' This appearance marked his debut at the historic Carnegie Hall. The performance further established his reputation as a premier interpreter of both opera and oratorio.
Performance
Pulliam performed the title role in R. Nathaniel Dett's oratorio 'The Ordering of Moses.' This appearance marked his debut at the historic Carnegie Hall. The performance further established his reputation as a premier interpreter of both opera and oratorio.
Performance
Pulliam made his European debut with the Gewandhaus Orchester. He performed the tenor solo in Verdi's 'Requiem' under the baton of world-class conductors. This performance expanded his professional reach to the major stages of Europe.
Performance
Pulliam made his European debut with the Gewandhaus Orchester. He performed the tenor solo in Verdi's 'Requiem' under the baton of world-class conductors. This performance expanded his professional reach to the major stages of Europe.
Performance
Pulliam performed as the tenor soloist in Mahler's Symphony No. 8 with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. These performances were conducted by Fabio Luisi and were highly acclaimed. They were the final public appearances of his career before his unexpected death.
Performance
Pulliam performed as the tenor soloist in Mahler's Symphony No. 8 with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. These performances were conducted by Fabio Luisi and were highly acclaimed. They were the final public appearances of his career before his unexpected death.
Limmie Pulliam passed away