Our favorite coloratura

I'm not certain I completely understand "coloratura." But Beverly Sills damned sure was one. And she brought opera to the rest of us.

Thanks lady.

Not sure you like opera? Read Anthony Tommasini's appraisal of Beverly Sills in today's New York Times. You'll come to love Bubbles Silverman. Check her out on YouTube as a seven-year-old singing an Italian song on the radio.

Imagine the fun she had as guest host for Johnny Carson with her gal pals: Carol Burnett, Dinah Shore and Eydie Gorme. Nothing stuffy about Beverly Sills.

Listen to her sing. It will make your heart happy.

On this uniquely American holiday, let's pause just a moment in memory of this uniquely American woman.

Hum a little coloratura if you're a girl.