His parents were peasants, but he had a wealthy older brother, who funded him university studies in Riga, on the condition that
the discipline be theology. Arnolds Jēkabsons obliged, but also studied film acting, and in 1926 won
the competition for a scholarship for vocal studies in Italy.
Two years later, upon his return from Italy, he became a soloist at the Riga opera house, making his debut as Gvidon in Zolotoj
petushok (The golden cockerel). His second task was already Radames, which was to become his signature role.
He spent his entire career in Riga, until 1961.
Reference and picture source
