Altonell Hines

Altonell Hines Matthews (1905 – August 6, 1977) was an African-American mezzo-soprano opera singer. She was in the original cast of both Porgy and Bess (1935) and Four Saints in Three Acts (1934).

Altonell Hines
Born	1905  Norfolk
Died	August 6, 1977  (aged 71–72) New York City
Alma mater	Livingstone College Columbia University
Occupation	Opera singer
Spouse(s)	Edward Matthews

Altonell Hines was born in 1905 in Norfolk, Virginia. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from Livingstone College and a master's degree in early‐childhood education from Columbia University. She married opera singer Edward Matthews and they appeared in productions together, though she worked under her maiden name. In 1934, she originated the role of The Commère in Four Saints in Three Acts and her husband played St. Ignatius. They reprised their roles in the 1952 revival. In Porgy and Bess, she sang in the chorus of Catfish Row residents and her husband played the fisherman Jake.^[1][2]

Hines toured with Eva Jessye's Radio and Concert Choir.^[1][2]

Altonell Hines died on 6 August 1977 at her home in New York City.^[2]

Discography

• Four Saints in Three Acts (1947, RCA 68163)^[3]