Postcard photo by J. Russell and sons, signed and inscribed (John, 1865-1941, Actor and Singer) by COATES

faithfully yours", showing him half length, wearing a jacket and waistcoat with a black hat and his hand in his pocket, with an Autograph Note Signed on the verso addressed to Frank Smith, saying that he appreciates his "kind letter... have great pleasure in signing the photograph and at the same time sending you my good wishes 'England expects that everyman will do his duty'...", 5½" x 3½", no place, no date, postmarked Paddington, 29th July Coates was a leading English tenor, who sang in opera and oratorio and on the concert platform. His repertoire ranged from Bach and Purcell to contemporary works, and embraced the major heldentenor roles in Richard Wagner's operas. For more than 40 years, with only a four-year interruption for military service during World War I, he overcame the limitations of a voice that was not naturally large by impressing listeners with his intense artistic expression, lively diction, musical versatility and memorable stage presence.