Legendary Crooner JERRY VALE Dies at Age 83

TVGuide reports that legendary 1950s crooner Jerry Vale has died at the age of 83. In a statement to the The Associated Press, Vale's attorney Harold J. Levy shared that the singer passed away in his Palm Desert home surrounded by family and friends.

Vale, who birth name was Genaro Louis Vitaliano, launched his music career as a singer in New York supper clubs during his teenage years. He was signed to a recording deal with Columbia Records and changed his name to Jerry Vale. Among his biggest hits was 1956's "You Don't Know Me."

The crooner was perhaps most famous for his version of "The Star-Spangled Banner", which was often played prior to the star of sporting events. The song earned him a Gold Record which is currently on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Vale also made cameos as himself in such films as Goodfellas, Casino and on the TV series The Sopranos.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rita, his son, Robert, and daughter, Pamela.

Photo source