Vinson Cole is an American operatic tenor born on November 21, 1950, in Kansas City. He received his musical education from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Philadelphia Musical Academy, and the Curtis Institute of Music, studying under the guidance of Margaret Harshaw.Throughout his illustrious career, Cole has performed leading roles in renowned opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Teatro alla Scala, and many others. He has collaborated with distinguished conductors like Herbert von Karajan, Sir Georg Solti, and Seiji Ozawa.Apart from his performances, Cole has also been actively involved in teaching at various prestigious institutions such as the University of Washington School of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, the Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Curtis Institute of Music, among others.Currently residing in Mission, Kansas, Vinson Cole continues to impart his expertise as a faculty member at the Curtis Institute of Music, Conservatory of Music and Dance at UMKC, and the Cleveland Institute of Music. His contributions to the world of opera and music education have solidified his position as a revered figure in the industry.

Vinson Allen Collins (March 1, 1867 - July 5, 1966) was a prominent Texas politician known for his contributions to workers' rights and his involvement in the Texas Senate as a Democrat. Born in Hardin County, Texas, Collins graduated from Sam Houston State Normal College in 1893 before embarking on a career in law. He began as a schoolteacher in Polk County, Texas and later established a law practice in Beaumont, Texas after being admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1901. Notably, Collins sponsored the legislation that led to the establishment of a workers' compensation system in Texas and the Texas Industrial Accident Board, as well as the law limiting work to eight hours a day. Although his bid for the United States House of Representatives and the Texas governorship were ultimately unsuccessful, Collins remained dedicated to causes such as prohibition and women's suffrage. His personal life included two marriages and six children. Collins passed away in Dallas, Texas in 1966 and was laid to rest in Livingston, Texas.