Limmie Pulliam, the acclaimed US opera singer known for his powerful voice and late-career comeback, has died at the age of 51.

The singer's friend, Rhiannon Giddens, confirmed the news on Wednesday, May 20.

"My heart breaks - my friend, Oberlin classmate and colleague Limmie Pulliam, who was part of the creation process of my and Michael Abel’s opera Omar (he voiced him in the workshops and in this recent concert performance at Oberlin) has transitioned," Pulliam's friend wrote on Instagram. 

Tributes have poured in from colleagues and conductors following the news. Jacksonville Symphony conductor Courtney Lewis described him as an artist who left a lasting impression, writing on social media: “Rest in peace Limmie.”

Lewis added that although he had known Pulliam for only a short time, his performances were unforgettable, praising both his vocal ability and humanity.

As of now, the cause of death has not been disclosed by his family, and funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Pulliam had recently performed in Mahler’s Eighth Symphony with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra under conductor Fabio Luisi, marking one of his final appearances on stage before his sudden death. He was scheduled for an upcoming engagement in Cleveland.

A Missouri native, Pulliam trained under the late vocal pedagogue Richard Miller and later participated in young artist programmes with institutions including the Cleveland Opera, Opera Delaware and Opera Memphis, building a foundation that led to an international operatic career.

After stepping away from singing nearly two decades ago due to weight-related struggles and public shaming, Pulliam made a widely noted return to the stage in January 2023 at Carnegie Hall. His comeback was followed by performances across Europe and the United States, including a major role as Radamès in Verdi’s Aida at the Metropolitan Opera.