Mignon Dunn (born in Memphis, Tennessee , on June 17, 1931) is a leading American dramatic mezzo-soprano . She made her official debut, in the title role of Carmen , on September 8, 1955, with the Experimental Opera Theatre of America/ New Orleans Opera Association, with Norman Treigle in his first Escamillo, conducted by Renato Cellini , and directed by Armando Agnini .