Jessie Bartlett Davis, born Jessie Fremont Bartlett, was an American operatic singer and actress from Morris, Illinois. A contralto associated with The Bostonians, she is best known for creating roles in the three classic American light operas: Idalia in Victor Herbert's Prince Ananias, Dolores in The Serenade, and Alan a-Dale in Reginald De Koven's Robin Hood. In the latter opera she performed the song "Oh Promise Me" which became a staple at weddings. The tune, which was originally performed by tenor Tom Karl in the part of Robin Hood, had failed to connect with audiences until it was reassigned and transposed into a lower key for Davis. Her version became a popular hit to the point that she became closely associated with just this one song for the rest of her career.
- Occupation
- actor, opera singer, stage actor
- Citizenship
- United States
