The heartbreaking delusions of the 'Diva of din': 'World's worst singer' Florence Foster Jenkins

World's worst singer' Florence Foster Jenkins (pictured) had no idea the world 
was mocking her terrible voice - until the truth killed her

The heartbreaking delusions of the 'Diva of din': 'World's worst singer' Florence Foster Jenkins had no idea the world was mocking her terrible voice - until the truth killed her 

• Florence moved to New York in 1900 as injury stopped piano playing dream
• She started singing before meeting her husband St Clair Bayfield in 1909 
• Actor St Clair became her manager and organised 'invitation only' events
• Crowds applauded and cheered singing as she was a patron of the arts 
• Died aged 76 just two days after a ridiculed performance at Carnegie Hall

By Lydia Willgress for MailOnline

 She spent years desperately trying to launch her opera career as she performed in front of hundreds of people across America.

But little did Florence Foster Jenkins know that the customers who flocked to see her were not applauding because she was talented.

In fact, hundreds of people eagerly battled for entry into private performances so they could cheer for the 'world's worst singer', who also happened to be a wealthy socialite.

It was this secret - one which was repeatedly covered up by her husband, St Clair Bayfield - that some believe led to the death of the 'Diva of din' just two days after a large public performance, which was widely ridiculed.

Now, a film starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant is being released to tell the unusual tale. 

Florence was born in July 1868 in Pennsylvania. Her family were wealthy but her father, a successful lawyer, refused to fund her passion to perform later in life.

As a child, Florence played the piano across the state. But after being refused money to go to music school, she eloped aged just 17. 

After catching syphilis from her first husband, Dr Frank Thornton Jenkins, Florence turned to mercury in an attempt to cure herself. The drug made her hair fall out and she was forced to wear wigs, often choosing a short one with brown curls.

Her diagnosis was also the last time Dr Frank was mentioned, although it is not known if they divorced or separated.

Sadly, it was not just her health that affected her dream to perform. After sustaining an arm injury, Florence was also forced to stop playing the piano and she soon faced poverty.

Her mother, Mary, eventually came to her rescue and the pair moved to New York in 1900 where Florence started to sing. 

Florence began singing in New York at the beginning of the twentieth century, with her husband ensuring she only gave recitals in front of 'invitation only' audiences who would clap  - and was still performing in 1937 (pictured)

Now, a film starring Meryl Streep as Florence (centre), Hugh Grant and Simon Helberg is being released to tell the unusual tale

Nine years later, she met St Clair - a British stage actor who toured Australia before making several appearances on Broadway.

The couple soon married and St Clair later became Florence's stage manager. It was around the same time that Florence inherited her father's huge fortune. 

The reality of her terrible voice was kept under wraps for decades as her husband organised 'invitation only' events. Footage of crowds showed them applauding even louder if anyone booed. 

It is thought those who came to see her - and applaud - did for two reasons; they knew she was wealthy and a patron of the New York arts scene and also enjoyed being able to say they had seen the singer at social events.

The reality of her terrible voice was kept under wraps for decades - until she decided to perform at the Carnegie Hall and was widely ridiculed. The performance sheet is pictured (left) and Florence is pictured (right) talking to an unidentified guest at her home in 1937

It is thought those who came to see her - and applaud - did because she was a patron of the arts. Above, American soprano Gina Pinnera (left) receives a gold medal from the Verdi Club, which Florence (right) founded and of which she was president

The secret remained hidden for years - until Florence decided she wanted to perform in the Carnegie Hall, organising for 3,000 tickets to be sold. It was one of the first time members of the public had been allowed to see her. 

Two days after the event, which led to widespread ridicule and one reviewer stating 'she couldn't carry a tune', she died aged 76. 

The film, which will be released on May 6 in the UK, will follow Florence's dream to sing at the Hall.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3518662/The-heartbreaking-delusions-Diva-din-World-s-worst-singer-Florence-Foster-Jenkins-no-idea-world-mocking-terrible-voice-truth-killed-her.html#v-8182099943626096303