He did a very nice christmas special with Julie Andrews and Placido Domingo back in 1987. He may have been a "popular" singer instead of operatic like the other two, but he sounded very good. (Much better than Diana Ross, who tried something similar).

I also find a declaration about his party politics to be surprising. Is there some foundation to this statement, or is it speculative? (i.e., he had money, therefore he must have been a Republican)

SRS