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Jerry Vale Dies
Jerry Vale, the beloved crooner known for his high-tenor voice and romantic songs in the 1950s and early 1960s, has died. He was 83.
Photo: AP Photo, File
The singer in a photo taken in 1978.
Vale, who had been in declining health, died Sunday at his Palm Desert home surrounded by family and friends, family attorney Harold J. Levy said in a statement.
Born Genaro Louis Vitaliano, Vale started performing in New York supper clubs as a teenager and went on to record more than 50 albums. His rendition of “Volare,” ”Innamorata” and “Al Di La” became classic Italian-American songs. His biggest hit was “You Don’t Know Me.”
Vale’s recording of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the 1960s was played at sporting events for years.
While his albums failed to make the charts in the early 1970s, Vale remained a popular club act.
He also appeared as himself in the movies “Goodfellas,” ”Casino” and the TV series “The Sopranos.”
Vale was a friend of fellow Italian-American crooner Frank Sinatra, and he was an honorary pallbearer at Sinatra’s funeral on May 20, 1998.
Vale is survived by Rita, his wife of 55 years; a son, Robert; and a daughter, Pamela.