1950s Crooner Jerry Vale Dies at 83

1950s crooner Jerry Vale has died, according to the The Associated Press. He was 83.

Vale died in his Palm Desert home surrounded by family and friends, his attorney Harold J. Levy told the AP in a statement. 

Born Genaro Louis Vitaliano, Vale began his career performing in New York supper clubs as a teen. It was then that he signed a management contract, changed his name and got a recording deal with Columbia. Vale's biggest hit was in 1956 with "You Don't Know Me."

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Vale's recording of "The Star-Spangled Banner" also became a fixture at sporting events. The Gold Record he received for it was displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Later in life, Vale appeared as himself in such movies as Goodfellas, Casino as well as the TV series The Sopranos.

Vale is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rita, his son, Robert, and daughter, Pamela.