Jerry Vale
An American pop vocalist whose rich, resonant baritone brought romantic ballads and Italian classics to the heart of the American mainstream.
1930–2014 (age 84)·American traditional pop singer·Birthday: July 8·The Silent Generation
Biography
Jerry Vale’s voice was a warm, velvety instrument that filled living rooms and lounges in the mid-20th century. Born Genaro Louis Vitaliano in the Bronx, his early gigs in New York clubs led to a Columbia Records contract. He mastered the art of the romantic pop ballad, scoring hits like 'You Don't Know Me' and 'Have You Looked Into Your Heart' with a sincere, powerful delivery. His Italian heritage fueled a parallel career; his recordings of 'Al di là' and 'Innamorata' became staples, beloved by the Italian-American community and beyond. Vale’s music possessed a timeless, straightforward emotional appeal, making him a favorite on television variety shows and in Las Vegas. His songs found a second life in Martin Scorsese’s films, where they perfectly underscored scenes of passion and nostalgia, introducing his sound to new generations.
The Silent Generation
1928–1945
Born between the Depression and the end of WWII. Too young to fight, old enough to remember. They became the conformist middle managers of the 1950s — and the civil rights leaders who quietly dismantled Jim Crow.
Jerry was born in 1930, placing them squarely in The Silent Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jerry Was Born
The biggest hits of 1930
#1 Movie
All Quiet on the Western Front
Best Picture
All Quiet on the Western Front
Jerry's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1930Born
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1935Started school
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1943Became a teenager
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1946Could drive
United Nations holds its first General Assembly
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $5,150Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Prisoner of Love" — Perry ComoBest Picture: The Best Years of Our Lives
1948Could vote
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1951Turned 21
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1960Turned 30
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 40
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 50
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 60
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
2000Turned 70
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2010Turned 80
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2014Died at 84
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
Key Achievements
- Scored multiple Top 40 pop hits in the 1950s and 1960s, including 'You Don't Know Me' and 'Have You Looked Into Your Heart.'
- Popularized Italian-language songs for American audiences, with 'Al di là' and 'Innamorata' becoming signature tunes.
- His recordings were frequently featured in the soundtracks of Martin Scorsese films, including 'Goodfellas' and 'Casino.'
Did You Know?
He was a talented golfer and played in numerous celebrity tournaments.
He performed for U.S. troops in Vietnam during the war.
Frank Sinatra was a known admirer of his voice and often recommended him to friends.
He released over 50 albums during his long career with Columbia Records.
“I just sing songs that I like and that I think people will like.”
