(Edward), outstanding American bass; b. Colby, Kans., March 28, 1942. Ramey attended Kansas State University, then studied voice with Arthur Newman at Wichita State University, earning his bachelor of music degree in 1968. After singing with the Grass Roots Opera Company in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1968-69, he continued his studies with Armen Boyajian in N.Y.

Ramey made his professional operatic debut as Zuniga in CARMEN at the New York City Opera in 1973, and within a few seasons established himself as its principal bass. He also made guest appearances at several European opera festivals. In 1984 he made a brilliant debut at the Metropolitan Opera in N.Y. as Argante in GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL'S RINALDO, and in 1987 he made his debut at the Salzburg Festival as Don Giovanni. He subsequently appeared with leading opera houses around the world and was engaged as a soloist with major orchestras.

Among Ramey's notable roles are Leporello, Don Giovanni, Figaro, Gounod's Mephistopheles, the four villains in LES CONTES D'HOFFMANN, Attila, and Boito's Mefistofele. He sang the role of Figaro for the sound-track recording of the award-winning film Amadeus in 1984.