Richard Tauber was born as Ernst Seiffert in Linz in 1892. He studied in Frankfurt and in 1913 received a five-year contract with the Dresden opera where he sang tenor roles. He also sang at other Central European opera houses. From 1925 Tauber turned to light opera, especially the works of Franz Lehar winning especial popularity in The Land of Smiles. From 1928 he also appeared in musical films. From 1938 he lived in England, appearing in Covent Garden and being a favorite on stage and radio and in films. He took the lead in the operetta Old Chelsea which he himself composed.