The Leonard Warren Foundation was established in 1986 by Barrett Crawford and the late Vivien Warren, Leonard Warren's sister, to perpetuate Warren's artistry and aid in the career development of aspiring singers.


Although Leonard Warren is considered the greatest dramatic baritone of his era, when the Foundation was established no book had been written about his life and career, and most of his recordings were out of print. The founders were concerned that Warren's exceptional artistry might be inaccessible to future generations.


In addition to its distinguished Board of Directors, the Foundation assembled an Advisory Board of luminaries of the operatic world, including ten artists who performed with Warren, as well as opera company general directors Lotfi Mansouri, Joseph Volpe, and the late Ardis Krainik. Their participation is a testament to their conviction that Warren's artistic legacy must not be lost.