Weighing in at 280 pounds and over 6 feet tall, Michael Bohnen was a true giant on the German operatic stage. Following his training, he made his debut as Kaspar in "Der Freischütz" in Düsseldorf in 1910. This was the prelude to a marvelous career that led him via Wiesbaden to Berlin. There he recorded his first disc in 1912.

He became a leading baritone and bass singer in the following years and shone especially as a singer of Wagner. When he appeared at the Metropolitan in New York in the 20's he was mentioned in one breath with Benjamino Gigli and Feodor Chaliapin.