Rudy Vallee was one of the most popular singers of the 1920s and 1930s, and a film and stage star in the decades that followed. His collegiate style as a singing bandleader made him known across the United States. He was also the first male singer to rise from local radio broadcasts in New York City to national popularity as a “crooner”. But how did he die, and what was his legacy?
The Life and Career of Rudy Vallee
Rudy Vallee was born Hubert Prior Vallee on July 28, 1901, in Island Pond, Vermont. His parents were Charles Alphonse Vallee, a French-Canadian pharmacist, and Catherine Lynch, an Irish-American nurse. He grew up in Westbrook, Maine, where he developed a love for music. He played drums in his high school band, and later learned to play clarinet and saxophone.
He tried to enlist in the US Navy to fight in World War I at the age of 15, but he was rejected when his true age was discovered. He then attended the University of Maine and Yale University, where he studied philosophy and music. He also formed his own band, called The Yale Collegians, which performed at college dances and parties.
In 1928, he moved to New York City and became a regular performer at the Heigh-Ho Club. He also started his own radio show, The Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour, which made him a national sensation. His smooth voice and romantic songs appealed to millions of listeners, especially women. He was nicknamed “The Vagabond Lover” after one of his hit songs.
He also ventured into films and theater, starring in musical comedies such as The Vagabond King (1930), The Palm Beach Story (1942), and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967). He also appeared in dramas such as Unfaithfully Yours (1948) and The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947). He was known for his versatility and charisma as an actor.
He married four times, but none of his marriages lasted long. His first wife was Leonie Cauchois, a French actress whom he married in 1929 and divorced in 1931. His second wife was Fay Webb, a chorus girl whom he married in 1931 and divorced in 1936. His third wife was Jane Greer, an actress whom he married in 1943 and divorced in 1944. His fourth and final wife was Eleanor Norris, a socialite whom he married in 1949 and remained with until his death.
The Death of Rudy Vallee
Rudy Vallee died on July 3, 1986, at the age of 84. He had been suffering from throat cancer for several years, which affected his voice and health. He died at his home in Los Angeles, California, with his wife Eleanor by his side.
According to Wikipedia, as Vallee lay dying from throat cancer, while watching the televised centennial ceremonies of the restored Statue of Liberty he turned to his wife Eleanor and said, “I wish we could be there; you know how I love a party” and then passed away.
His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered over the Pacific Ocean. He left behind a legacy of music, movies, and entertainment that influenced generations of artists and fans.
The Legacy of Rudy Vallee
Rudy Vallee is remembered as one of the pioneers of American popular music and culture. He was one of the first singers to use a microphone and amplify his voice, creating a new style of singing that was intimate and expressive. He also popularized the saxophone as a solo instrument, inspiring many jazz musicians.
He recorded over 200 songs during his career, some of which became classics such as “As Time Goes By”, “My Time Is Your Time”, “Deep Night”, and “Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries”. He also wrote some of his own songs, such as “Oh! Ma-Ma! (The Butcher Boy)” and “Old Man Harlem”.
He was also a successful actor who appeared in over 50 films and several Broadway shows. He was praised for his comedic timing and dramatic range. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry.
He was also a generous philanthropist who supported various causes such as animal welfare, education, veterans’ affairs, and civil rights. He donated money to Yale University, where he established a scholarship fund for music students. He also donated his saxophone collection to the Smithsonian Institution.
Rudy Vallee was a legend who left an indelible mark on American entertainment history. He died with a smile on his face, knowing that he had lived a full and happy life. He will always be remembered as the crooner who made millions of hearts swoon.
