Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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VALE, Jerry

(b Genaro Louis Vitaliano, 8 July '32, Bronx, NY) Pop crooner who worked as shoeshine boy in high school, then in a factory while he sang part-time; won a talent contest and was regular at Club del Rio for more than a year, changed his name and was discovered by Guy Mitchell and Mitch Miller, signed with CBS/Columbia: four hits '56--8 incl. 'You Don't Know Me' at no. 14; pleasant Italian light baritone came back '64--6 with four more. He sold albums, 20 charting '62-- 72, and his work is still popular on easy-listening radio stations.