Vale, Jerry

Vale, Jerry (1930–2014) was an American traditional pop singer best known for his smooth, Italian-influenced vocal style and a long recording career that peaked in the 1950s and 1960s. Born Genaro Louis Vitaliano in the Bronx to Italian immigrant parents, Vale rose to national prominence with romantic ballads such as “You Don’t Know Me,” “Pretend You Don’t See Her,” and “Al Di La.” He became closely associated with the era of classic crooners and frequently performed alongside figures like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, earning a devoted following through recordings, radio, television appearances, and live performances. Vale had a strong connection to Bergen County, New Jersey. He moved to Englewood in 1961 where he lived for many years. His presence in the area made him a well-known local figure, and he was often associated with the broader Englewood community and its cultural life. Like several entertainers who settled in the area, Vale valued the region’s proximity to New York City while maintaining a quieter residential life, and his long residence helped cement his place in northern New Jersey’s mid-20th-century cultural landscape. In 1971, Vale left Englewood and moved to Los Vegas. 

"Narrative generated by chatgpt, 5.5 , Open AI, June 3, 2026. The author provided original archival research and subsequently edited the content for historical accuracy and historiographical alignment."

Publicity photo of Jerry Vale

ebay item

November 1965 dates are stamped on back

Public Domain