Vallee, Rudy

(born Hubert Prior Vallée), popular American singer, saxophonist, bandleader, and actor; b. Island Pond, Vt., July 28, 1901; d. Los Angeles, July 3, 1986. Vallee studied clarinet and saxophone in his youth. He was educated at the University of Maine and at Yale University, receiving a B.A. degree in 1927. He concurrently performed in nightclubs and VAUDEVILLE.

In 1928 Vallee gained fame when his band was engaged at N.Y.'s Heigh-Ho Club. His nasal-crooned rendition of My Time Is Your Time, a popular favorite, became his theme song. He struck a responsive chord with such numbers as THE WHIFFENPOOF SONG and I'm Just a Vagabond Lover. From 1929 to 1939 he was a leading performer on radio. He also starred in his own variety show and appeared in many forgettable films.

Vallee made a remarkable comeback when he starred in the hit Broadway musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 1961, a title that aptly described his own lucrative career. He also appeared in the film version of the show made in 1967. He tried to persuade municipal authorities to name the street on which he lived after him, but without success.