James Atherton (tenor)

James Peyton Atherton Jr (April 27, 1943 – November 20, 1987) was an American tenor and artistic director.
Early years.
Atherton was born in Montgomery, Alabama, the son of James Peyton Atherton (1904–1972) and Anna Avery Thomas (1999–1993), both of Montgomery, Alabama.
He studied at the Peabody Conservatory, in Baltimore primarily with Martial Singher and Rosa Ponselle. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1965.
Career.
He shorted his name for the stage to simply "James Atherton" and had a successful career as a tenor and music director. He is listed as a noteworthy tenor in "Marquis Who's Who" and is recognized in the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
He served on the faculties of Peabody Conservatory, Goucher College, Towson State University, and Dickinson College.
Death.
He died in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 20, 1987. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery, Alabama. His obituary was printed in "The New York Times" on November 24, 1987.
Ancestry.
His ancestors came to Alabama from McLean County, Kentucky. His great-great grandfather, William Atherton died there in 1879. 