As a young boy growing up in Brooklyn, Robert stuttered badly. One day, he knew he would be called upon in class. At age 15, he quit school to deliver shoes and dresses for his family and the uncle in Manhattan.
One day, his mother, who had a beautiful voice, heard him singing around the house, took him to a voice instructor, whose studio was in the Metropolitan Opera House.
Robert was awe struck. The man agreed to teach Robert on a scholarship and Robert began to sing in earnest. Between deliveries, he sang. At night, he sang and also went to lessons.
Not long after, while making a delivery on 57th Street, he saw a crowd at Steinway Hall and learned that auditions were being held for a summer job.
He got the job, beating out more than 40 competitors. Only 18, with no real stage experience, he was determined to succeed. He did it all that summer, singing show tunes and backup for chorus girls, being the straight man for a young comedian named Red Shelton.
Baritone-voiced Robert Merrill went on to give 800 performances at the Metropolitan Opera House. He has sang for nine presidents.
According to William A. Ward, “Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records.”
Every leader who has done something worthwhile, is one who in one way or the other has overcome adversity. There is always a story of determination, perseverance, creativity, etc, behind that success.
Nothing good, big or great comes easy. The good news is that you and I, can become who we are designed to become by our manufacturer. Whatever happens, keep on keeping on.
Now that you know…
Shalom!