Rudy Valle: The Velvet-Voiced Crooner of the 1920s

A Dashing Debonair of Music and Entertainment

Rudy Valle, the first male singer to rise to national fame from local radio broadcasts in New York City, was a household name in the 1920s and 1930s. With his smooth, velvety voice, charming stage presence, and mastery of the saxophone, Valle captivated audiences across the country, earning himself the nickname "the Crooner."

Early Life and Service

Born Hubert Prior Valle on July 28, 1901, in Island Pond, Vermont, to Catherine Lynch and Charles Alphonse Valle, Rudy grew up in Westbrook, Maine. His maternal grandparents were English and Irish, while his paternal grandparents were French Canadians from Quebec. Valle's early life was marked by a sense of adventure, enlisting in the US Navy in 1917 at the tender age of 15 (with a falsified birth date!). Although he was soon discovered and discharged, this brief stint in the Navy set the tone for a life filled with excitement and entrepreneurial spirit.

From Local Bands to International Acclaim

Valle's love affair with music began in high school, where he played drums in the school band. He soon shifted his focus to the clarinet and saxophone, perfecting his technique and eventually playing with bands around New England as a teenager. The Savoy Havana Band in London, where he played from 1924 to 1925, proved to be a turning point in his career. Although discouraged from singing by his bandmates, Valle persevered, eventually forming his own group, Rudy Valle and the Connecticut Yankees, upon his return to the United States.

Education and Fraternal Ties

Valle's academic pursuits took him to the University of Maine, where he initiated into Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity in 1921. He later transferred to Yale University, graduating with a degree in philosophy in 1927. During his time at Yale, he led the football band and was a member of the Yale Collegians, alongside Peter Arno, who would go on to become a renowned cartoonist for The New Yorker magazine.

Awards and Legacy

Rudy Valle's contributions to the world of music and entertainment earned him several accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His legacy extends far beyond his own performances, influencing a generation of crooners, including Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

Personal Milestones and Philanthropy

Valle's personal life was marked by a commitment to giving back. He was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and actively participated in numerous charity events throughout his career.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Rudy Valle was the first singer to popularize the "crooning" style, which emphasized intimate, smooth vocals.
• He hosted several popular radio shows, including "The Rudy Valle Show" and "The Fleischmann's Yeast Hour."
• Valle appeared in over 40 films, including "The Vagabond Lover" and "The Palm Beach Story."

Rudy Valle's remarkable life serves as a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and charisma. As a pioneering crooner, entertainer, and philanthropist, he left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.