Rudy Vallee

Profession: Singer and One of the Earliest Crooners

Nationality:

Biography: Rudy Vallée was an American singer, actor, bandleader, and entertainer. Best known for his career that spanned from the 1920s into the 1960s, Vallée achieved considerable fame as a crooner. He made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, especially with his pioneering contributions to radio and his work in film.

Vallée developed an interest in music from a young age, playing various instruments during his high school years. After a brief time in the US Navy, he moved to London to play with the Savoy Havana Band, and later attended Yale University, where he led the Yale Collegians.

In 1928, he formed Rudy Vallée and the Connecticut Yankees, which brought him national recognition through radio performances.

His recording career took off with his first commercial records in 1928. Vallée's best-known recordings include "The Stein Song" (1929) and "Vieni, Vieni" (1930s). He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard during World War II, serving as a band director.

His radio career was highlighted by hosting The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour and The Rudy Vallee Show, and he notably advocated for Louis Armstrong to take over his radio show during his military service.

Transitioning to film, Vallée debuted in The Vagabond Lover (1929) and worked with celebrated directors such as Preston Sturges. Later in his career, Vallée appeared in stage productions like How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961) and the film adaptation (1967), as well as television series such as Batman and Night Gallery.

Vallée's personal life included four marriages, with his last to Eleanor Vallée who later wrote about their life together. He passed away in July of 1986, in Los Angeles and his contributions are honored with induction into the Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011 and a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 1995.

Born: July 28, 1901
Birthplace: Island Pond, Vermont, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Leo

Died: July 3, 1986 (aged 84)