Noted American operatic tenor Jerry Hadley, renowned for his captivating and awe-inspiring vocal performances, took home a total of three Grammy awards for his exceptional recordings of Jenůfa, Susannah, and Candide.
Born on June 16, 1952, in the charming town of Manlius, Illinois, Hadley's upbringing was marked by a strong musical inclination, influenced by his parents of Italian and English descent.
As a result, he was instilled with a deep appreciation for music from a young age, which would later shape his remarkable career as an operatic tenor.
Noted vocalist Hadley's musical journey commenced at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where he was an integral part of the esteemed Delta Nu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha, a prestigious men's music fraternity.
Hadley's pursuit of vocal excellence led him to the prestigious University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he embarked on a master's degree in voice, further refining his craft under the expert guidance of renowned vocal instructors, Grace Wilson and James Bailey. In addition to receiving invaluable coaching from esteemed pianists, John Wustman and Eric Dalheim, Hadley's time at Illinois afforded him the opportunity to hone his skills in a variety of opera productions, showcasing his impressive range and adaptability as a performer, and solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile vocalist.
As Hadley's academic pursuits came to a close, he embarked on a significant personal milestone by tying the knot with the talented pianist, Cheryll Drake. This life-changing event marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he and his new spouse relocated to the picturesque state of Connecticut.
Upon settling into his new surroundings, Hadley secured a teaching position in music, which afforded him the opportunity to share his passion for music with others. Meanwhile, he commenced his vocal training under the guidance of the esteemed Thomas LoMonaco, who would go on to play a pivotal role in Hadley's artistic development for the next 12 years.
As a vocalist, Hadley's professional journey commenced in various regional opera houses situated throughout the United States, where his exceptional talents garnered widespread acclaim. The renowned soprano, Beverly Sills, took notice of his impressive performances and subsequently extended an offer to him for a contract with the prestigious New York City Opera in the year 1978. Following his debut as Arturo in the opera Lucia di Lammermoor in 1979, Hadley became a regular fixture on the company's roster, solidifying his position as a talented and sought-after performer.
Noted tenor, Hadley, has had the privilege of gracing the stages of some of the most esteemed opera houses globally, boasting an impressive repertoire that has taken him to the revered Vienna State Opera, the iconic Metropolitan Opera, the renowned La Scala, the illustrious Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, the respected Deutsche Oper Berlin, the esteemed Hamburg State Opera, the acclaimed Lyric Opera of Chicago, the prestigious San Francisco Opera, the esteemed San Diego Opera, and the highly-regarded festivals of Glyndebourne, Aix-en-Provence, and Salzburg.
Noted for his exceptional skill in bringing lyric tenor opera roles to life, Hadley's remarkable vocal abilities allowed him to excel in a diverse range of genres, including Broadway musicals, operetta, and popular music. One of his most remarkable achievements was the creation of a three-CD EMI recording of the complete score of Show Boat, conducted by the esteemed John McGlinn. Within this iconic production, Hadley embodied the character of Gaylord Ravenal with exceptional flair and artistry.
Throughout the vast expanse of his illustrious two-decade-long tenure as a prominent American tenor, Hadley had the privilege of being guided and mentored by the renowned soprano Joan Sutherland and her husband, the accomplished conductor Richard Bonynge, who played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic trajectory.
He was subsequently handpicked by the illustrious maestro Leonard Bernstein for his 1989 recording of the iconic opera Candide, which was released on the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, a testament to his exceptional vocal talent and artistic prowess.
