Rudy Vallée

Rudy Vallée was a renowned American singer, musician, actor, and bandleader who rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s with his unique singing style and charismatic stage presence, often compared to Al Jolson and Bing Crosby. He was one of the most popular entertainers of his time, known for his performances on radio and in vaudeville shows, including the Ziegfeld Follies. Vallée's music was heavily influenced by jazz and blues musicians, such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. He was also a pioneer in the use of the megaphone as a musical instrument, which became one of his signature props, often used in performances at the Cotton Club and other notable venues like the Palace Theatre.

● Early Life and Career

Rudy Vallée was born Hubert Prior Vallée on July 28, 1901, in Island Pond, Vermont, to Charles Alphonse Vallée and Catherine Lynch Vallée. He developed an interest in music at an early age, learning to play the drums and saxophone while attending Catholic University of America and later Yale University, where he was a member of the Yale Glee Club and performed with the Yale Dramatic Association. Vallée's early career in music began as a bandleader at the University of Maine, leading to performances at various dance halls and nightclubs, including the Savoy Ballroom and the Cocoanut Grove. He was soon discovered by bandleader Paul Whiteman, who helped launch his career, introducing him to other notable musicians like George Gershwin and Irving Berlin.

● Music and Film Career

Vallée's music career took off in the 1920s, with hits like "The Varsity Drag", My Time Is Your Time, and "Deep Night", which showcased his unique crooning style, often compared to Russ Columbo and Bing Crosby. He became one of the first crooners to achieve widespread popularity, paving the way for future singers like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Vallée's success in music led to a career in film, with appearances in movies like The Vagabond Lover and Sweet Music, alongside actors like Marion Davies and Clara Bow. He worked with notable film directors like Marshall Neilan and Alfred E. Green, and performed in musicals like George White's Scandals and the Ziegfeld Follies of 1931. Vallée's film career also included collaborations with composers like George Gershwin and Cole Porter, resulting in songs like "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?".

● Personal Life

Vallée was married twice, first to Fay Webb and then to Eleanor Norris, and had no children. He was known for his charismatic personality and was a popular figure in Hollywood social circles, often attending parties and events at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Brown Derby. Vallée was also a pioneer in the use of television as a medium for entertainment, making appearances on early TV shows like The Rudy Vallée Show and The Ed Wynn Show, alongside other notable performers like Ed Wynn and Milton Berle. He was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and worked with other notable songwriters like Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael.

● Legacy

Rudy Vallée's legacy as a singer, musician, and actor continues to be celebrated today, with his music and films remaining popular among fans of vintage entertainment. He was a pioneer in the development of popular music and paved the way for future generations of singers and musicians, including Perry Como and Andy Williams. Vallée's influence can be heard in the music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, who often credited him as an inspiration, and his unique crooning style has been emulated by many other singers, including Bobby Darin and Tony Bennett. He was also a talented actor who appeared in numerous films and stage productions, working with notable theater directors like George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.

● Discography

Rudy Vallée's discography includes numerous albums and singles, featuring hits like The Varsity Drag, My Time Is Your Time, and Deep Night. Some of his notable albums include "Rudy Vallée Sings", "The Rudy Vallée Collection", and "The Best of Rudy Vallée", which showcase his unique singing style and charismatic stage presence. Vallée's music has been released on various record labels, including Victor Records, Columbia Records, and RCA Records, and has been featured in numerous compilation albums and soundtracks, including the soundtrack for the film The Great Gatsby. His songs have been covered by many other artists, including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, and continue to be popular among fans of jazz and vintage music. Category:American singers