About the Author

Norma Major was born in Shropshire and has spent most of her life in London and Huntingdon. A recording of Rigoletto first drew her attention to Joan Sutherland; she found her voice unbelievably beautiful and more satisfying than any other, and eventually she began compiling a catalogue of the diva's performances. As she accumulated material a full-scale biography began taking shape, and this book is the end product of ten years of research and liaison with Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge. Norma Major is married to former Prime Minister John Major. They have two children.