Richard Alexander Crooks, born on June 26, 1900 in Trenton, New Jersey, was an American tenor. He began his career as an oratorio and song recital specialist. In 1927, Crooks made his operatic debut in Hamburg as Cavaradossi in Puccini's Tosca. Following performances in various European cities, he returned to the US for his American debut in Philadelphia in 1930. Crooks became a prominent figure at the New York Metropolitan Opera, specializing in French and Italian operas. He hosted The Voice of Firestone radio broadcasts from 1928 to 1945. Health issues led to his retirement in early 1945. Crooks recorded primarily for the Victor Talking Machine Company/RCA Victor. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Crooks died on September 29, 1972 in Portola Valley, California.
