Joseph Shlisky was one of the famous cantors of the golden era of the 20s and 30s, whose tenor voice was so well rounded that he was signed to perform in leading~ opera roles with the San Carlo Opera Company. For a while Shlisky was determined to appear in La Boheme, La Juive and Tosca, but like many dedicated cantors of the day, finally passed up the opportunity.

He debuted in New York City in 1919 where his voice met with approval of the critics. For the next 20 years he held positions in leading New York synagogues and gave concerts throughout the nation. He was stricken at the height of his career with a paralytic stroke in 1934 at the age of 40. He never sang again and passed away in 1955.