Musicians & Composers · Early 20th Century
Enrico Caruso’s Last Words
“I can't get my breath.”— Enrico Caruso, August 2, 1921
Who Was Enrico Caruso?
Enrico Caruso was an Italian operatic tenor who is widely considered one of the greatest singers of all time. His rich, powerful voice was perfectly suited to the emerging recording technology.
The Final Moments
Caruso had been suffering from pleurisy for months. He died at the Vesuvio Hotel in Naples where he had returned to his homeland to recover.
Are These Words Verified?
Caruso's wife Dorothy published an account describing his final struggle with breathing and these words. While not a direct quote in her presence, the account comes from family sources close to his deathbed.
Sources
- biography Dorothy Caruso (wife) - Enrico Caruso: His Life and Death
- newspaper Contemporary Italian press accounts
Legacy
Caruso's recordings were the first to demonstrate the power of the gramophone. He sold more records in his era than any other artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Enrico Caruso’s last words?
“I can't get my breath.”
How did Enrico Caruso die?
Enrico Caruso died on August 2, 1921 at the age of 48. Cause of death: Pleurisy and kidney failure.
Were Enrico Caruso’s last words documented?
Caruso's wife Dorothy published an account describing his final struggle with breathing and these words. While not a direct quote in her presence, the account comes from family sources close to his deathbed.