Sherrill Milnes was born on January 10, 1935 in Downers Grove.

Growing up, Milnes thought he would become an anesthesiologist, but later realized he had a gift for music. After graduating from Drake University, he spent a whole summer an as apprentice at the Santa Fe Opera and studied with the famous soprano Rosa Ponselle.

He started his career with the Opera Company of Boston in 1960. This is when he managed to get his debut part as Gérard in Andrea Chénier. In 1964, Milnes sang the role of Valentin in “Gounod’s Faust” at the New York City Opera. Within the same year, Milnes made his European debut singing “Figaro” from “The Barber of Seville” and captured international fame with his performance in Verdi’s “Luisa Miller.”

Milnes has been garnered many awards during his career, including seven honorary doctoral degrees. He is also a member of the Lincoln Academy, the highest honor awarded by the state of Illinois.

Milnes continues to teach young students through master classes and opera tours. He also judges singing competitions from time to time. Milnes and his wife Maria founded a nonprofit organization called VOICExperience, which helps young singers throughout the country develop and pursue their careers.