Frank Sinatra Boosted the Career of Jerry Vale, Who Remained Loyal to His Friend Until the End

Jerry Vale (left) never forgot his friend Frank Sinatra (right)Photo byYouTube.com

It's been 10 years since legendary crooner Jerry Vale passed away in Palm Springs. Best known in the 1950s and 1960s, Vale had a distinctive high-tenor voice and performed romantic ballads. He died at 83 from natural causes and remained loyal to his family and friends including close pal and fellow Italian-American singer Frank Sinatra. It was Sinatra who gave Vale an early boost to his career. This is the story.

A Closer Look

Jerry Vale was born Genaro Louis Vitaliano on July 8, 1930, in the Bronx, New York.

When just a teen, Vale began performing in New York supper clubs and went on to record over 50 albums throughout his career.

In the 1960s, music legend Frank Sinatra recruited Vale to play in the lounge of the Sands Hotel while "Ol' Blue Eyes" performed in the showroom.

In the process, Vale transformed a two-week gig into a 22-week engagement and went on to enjoy a string of hits. Those included his signature tune, "A La Di," as well as "Have You Looked Into Your Heart" and "For Mama." He was also known for "Volare," "Innamorata," and “You Don’t Know Me,” among others.

In the 1960s, Vale’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was frequently played at sporting events.

Although his album sales slowed in the early 1970s, Vale remained a popular club act in what was ultimately the last era of such platforms.

Vale, the Actor

Beyond his musical talents, Jerry Vale also acted, playing himself in big-screen feature films such as Goodfellas and Casino (both directed by Martin Scorsese), as well as in TV shows like The Sopranos.

On May 20, 1998, Vale was an honorary pallbearer at his dear friend Frank Sinatra’s funeral. He never forgot what Sinatra did for his career.

Vale, who was married for 55 years to wife Rita (with whom he had a son and daughter) never forgot what Sinatra did for his career and remained a loyal friend to the end.