Jessie Bartlett Davis

Jessie Bartlett Davis, born Jessie Fremont Bartlett, (September 17, 1859 – May 14, 1905) was an American operatic singer and actress from Morris, Illinois. A contralto associated with The Bostonians, she is best known for creating roles in the three classic American light operas: Idalia in Victor Herbert's Prince Ananias, Dolores in The Serenade, and Alan a-Dale in Reginald De Koven's Robin Hood. In the latter opera she performed the song "Oh Promise Me" which became a staple at weddings. The tune, which was originally performed by tenor Tom Karl in the part of Robin Hood, had failed to connect with audiences until it was reassigned and transposed into a lower key for Davis. Her version beca…