McCormack, John (William) (1891–1980)

US politician. A public school graduate who studied law privately, he became a lawyer in 1913 and a power in Democratic politics after he returned from the army in 1918. He served in both the Massachusetts House and Senate (1920–26) before going mid-term to the US House of Representatives (1928–71). A skilled tactician, he was majority leader and minority whip before becoming Speaker of the House (1961–69), in which positions he proved a loyal supporter of presidents John F Kennedy and Lyndon B Johnson. McCormack was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

McCormack, John (1884–1945)

Irish-born US tenor. With no formal training, he won a gold medal at the 1902 National Irish Festival. Following studies and recitals, he made his operatic debut in London, England, in 1907, with instant success. His US debut followed two years later in New York City. He became a favourite throughout the USA, primarily, after 1914, as a concert singer specializing in sentimental Irish songs. He initiated a tradition of Irish tenors that is still popular in Ireland and abroad, with artists such as Wright and the recordings and performances of the Three Irish Tenors.

McCormack was born in Athlone, County Westmeath. He became a US citizen in 1919 and a papal count in 1928 as a reward for his charitable work; by this time he had returned to live in Ireland. He is regarded as an iconic figure to whom all Irish tenors will be compared.