William H. Beck

William Beck, one of Winston-Salem's favorite adopted sons, would often, with his trademark twinkle in the eye, indicate his bucket list by adding, “… before I leave this orb.”

     Bill departed this life on February 18 in Charlotte, NC, where he had relocated to be near family. In his 97 years on earth, he accomplished what he set out to do, always remaining true to the core values instilled in him as a boy: kindness, empathy, and a deep, abiding concern for others.

     Born December 23, 1927, in Wadesboro, NC, Bill was the only child of Mae Watson Beck, a teacher, and Harvey Raymond Beck, a Mobil Oil executive. Bill enjoyed an idyllic childhood, living in his aunt’s boarding house and playing his cornet amid the simplicity of small-town life.

     At 17, Bill entered Duke University to pursue a medical degree, graduating with a B A. While in Durham, he met Ruth McFarland in church, and they married, becoming parents to son Thomas in 1953. It was while singing in the elite Duke Chapel Choir that Bill first discovered the powerful, therapeutic value of music. This changed the course of his life.

     Following brief service in the U.S. Army, Bill auditioned for New York’s Juilliard School. He had heard, in the meantime, about a small company, Raleigh’s Grass Roots Opera, returning to North Carolina. As Bill told the story, there was one catch— they didn’t need another baritone on the roster, but they were in need of someone to load scenery and drive the truck to engagements. Biding his time, Bill agreed, soon advancing to principal artist, singing small roles and, then, larger ones, important grounding for his future career.

     Bill continued his studies at Tulane University, receiving a Ford Foundation grant, and on returning to New York and now married to soprano Mary Jennings, a fellow singer he met in Raleigh, he entered the Manhattan School of Music for graduate work. Under the watchful eye of eminent French baritone Martial Singher, Bill soon earned his M.A. in opera theater. 

    By now also a father to daughters Vicki and Michelle, Bill joined the New York City Opera, debuting September 22, 1965, in Prokofiev’s “The Flaming Angel,” singing two roles in that work.

     As a valued member of the NYCO family, he was onstage that storied evening in 1966— known to all opera lovers— when his frequent colleague Beverly Sills became an overnight sensation in Handel’s “Giulio Cesare.” Bill joined Sills to record the opera in the RCA Victor Records studios at the end of the run.

In September 1969, at the invitation of composer Robert Ward, Chancellor of the N C. School of the Arts, Bill moved to Winston-Salem to join NCSA’s voice faculty. In addition to a busy teaching schedule, Bill was put in charge of the school’s opera program, embarking on a new venture-- stage directing (and often singing in) regional opera productions there and around the country.

    He somehow found time to pursue a keen interest in photography, becoming NCSA’s unofficial photographer. His nostalgic images from this period will provide a permanent visual time capsule of the school and the city of Winston-Salem for future generations.

    A definite presence in town, performing with the Little Theater and, at the suggestion  of his third wife, Carolyn Tavis Williams, singing solos at Christ Moravian Church, Bill had become a familiar community spokesperson for the arts. Admirers flocked to his side at parties, delighting in his charming, easy-going manner and laughing at his amusing stories. 

     Over the course of his time at NCSA, Bill not only offered his pupils voice lessons, but also invaluable life lessons, imparting the secret to his success this way: talent and professionalism were a must, he would tell them, adding that the ability to get along with people was of equal or even greater importance in building a music career. This practical advice prepared all his young artists, whether they entered the music business or not, to face their futures with greater certainty.

    Upon retirement from NCSA in 1994 and after 25 years’ service there, Bill was bestowed with the title Professor Emeritus, a post created in recognition of his years of service to the arts in Winston-Salem and throughout the state. 

 On April 13, 2010, in the cast of Piedmont Opera’s staging of Puccini’s “Turandot” at the Stevens Center, Bill drew the curtain on a 57-year singing career. A pivotal chapter in Bill’s life story had reached its end.

     Never one to sit still for long, Bill hosted cast parties for Piedmont Opera, fashioned handmade trivets for loves ones, studied the French Revolution, and enjoyed watching TV situation comedies with friends~ never losing interest in the art of singing, which remained, next to his children, his true passion in life.

     Bill Beck-- star baritone, master raconteur, purveyor of puns, and sterling human being, is deeply grieved by his loving family, along with countless loyal friends and students.

Bill left this world-- that “orb” he often referenced-- a better place, because he cared, making a difference in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. For this, he will be forever remembered with honor and gratitude.

    Bill leaves behind his three beloved children, Thomas (Ruth), Vicki (William Benham), Michelle (Henry Howard), and stepson Steve Williams (Renata). Additionally, Bill is survived by five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and cousins.

The funeral will be held Saturday, April 12, at 10:30am, at Hankins and Whittington Funeral Home, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC.

     Donations in Bill’s memory may be made, by check, to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Foundation, 1533 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC 27127. Please indicate “William Beck” on the memo line. Alternatively, there is also an online link available: www.uncsa.edu/WilliamBeck

RIP, Bill~ forever in our hearts!