Customer Reviews

Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta

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Jerry Hadley (who died tragically in July 2007 by his own hand) was one of America's finest tenors. What's more, he was one of the very few great opera singers who could sing light music convincingly, and he had the gift of making you feel that he was singing to you personally, and that he meant every word and every note. This CD is a treasurable memento of Hadley's art in operettas and musicals. Among the highlights are songs from The Student Prince, where he rivals Mario Lanza (who was thought to 'own' this operetta) in vocal beauty and surpasses him in sensitivity; there's even a 'duet' (Golden Days) where Hadley's voice blends seamlessly with Lanza's recording. But my favourite in this collection is undoubtedly 'When I grow too old to dream'. I don't believe anyone has ever sung this song more movingly and beautifully, a fitting memorial to a great singer whose life was tragically cut short but who left us enough to be grateful that he once lived.

......you have allowed yourself the opportunity to "Grow Too Old to Dream" (as you so eloquently sing it in this production)?

Here, in this 1994 release, we have Jerry--at the height of his vocal powers--in these beautifully done popular and semi-classical numbers. To think that new issues from this voice are now lost to us forever is almost unbearable. As someone else has so touchingly observed: the Angels are now the beneficiaries of Jerry's beautiful gift.

PS--Just want to throw in recommendations for those of you who might be unfamiliar with some of Jerry's light operatic (operetta) works. Three of Lehar's compositions on the Telarc label are notable: "The Czarevitch" / "The Land of Smiles" / "Paganini." Oh, and on an even lighter note, give a try to a very well done Broadway vehicle, "Kismet" (on Sony).

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What can I say ... every track on this CD is great! I already had this album in cassette form, but my new car doesn't have a player, which is why I ordered this one. I just can't imagine anyone, young or old, not liking this one and the electronic duet with Lanza is a treat!

I recently "discovered" Jerry Hadley. What a voice he had. I listen to this CD often & thoroughly enjoy it. Mr. Hadley's voice is so pure, clear, & melodious to listen to. My only regret is that he didn't seem to cut many other CD to showcase his wonderful voice.

If anyone knows of any other recordings of Mr. Hadley, I' sure like to acquire more. I'd strongly recommend buying this CD, as well as any others you can lay hands on. Bravo Jerry!!!

The CD was new, or like new, and arrived in good time. I was pwrfectly satisfied.