One of the Met's former idols is lying in a hospital bed with serious brain injury, on life support, with the decision to be made to remove him from life support as his injury is too severe, even as this is written, and it breaks my heart.
Discovered and promoted by the late Beverly Sills, Jerry Hadley's lovely lyric tenor voice, versatility for all types of roles and musical styles, and handsome matinee idol looks made him very much in demand. Leonard Bernstein himself chose Jerry Hadley for some his major production projects. The Met was quick to feature him when they needed a "Go-To" tenor. He and the baritone Thomas Hampson teamed up and were featured duetists on recordings and in recital. Jerry Hadley peformed everything from opera to musical theater and did it beautifuly.
What led to this horrible situation? Jerry Hadley's name has not been heard in quite some time - no new recordings, no TV appearances, etc. The news article states that he was filing for bankruptcy, was suffering from depression, and had one DUI dismissed. He was found by police in his bedroom with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The glitter and fame in the music business are fickle. Sometimes a quickly rising star reaches its zenith too soon. Other times there is simply no explanation. One day the bank account is bulging. The next day you're wondering where the next paycheck is coming from. We will never know what led this gifted young man to take his own life.
Another bright light has gone out from the musical community.
Jerry, thank you for your lovely voice, your smile, for gracing the world with your presence.
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