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Born in 1925 in Spokine, Washington, Patricia Munsell's ascent to fame is nothing short of legendary. As a teenager during World War II, her talent shone brightly. At just 17, in 1943, she stunned judges during the Metropolitan Opera’s "air auditions," earning her a contract that launched her career. Her official debut at 18 made her the youngest opera singer to perform at the Met in New York, a record that etched her name into the annals of musical history.
The press instantly dubbed her "Princess Pat," and her youthful charm alongside her exceptional voice captured the hearts of Americans amidst wartime hardship. She graced the cover of Life magazine in February 1944, labeled as a teenage opera starlet, elevating her to celebrity status.