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Clubscene “The Melody Lingers On”-The Jerry Stuart Story August 2009 This transplanted New Yorker first saw the light of day in the Bronx, N.Y. on 09.20.38. His first performance in the delivery room consisted of a hearty wail which was so euphonious as to bring a smile to all who were in the white gowned audience. Jerry was very close to his mother when he was born and credits her with musical influence and encouragement through her singing and piano playing. From an early age, Jerry recognized his interest in music and would often sing along with the stars who performed on radio.As a young sprout of ten tender years, Jerry auditioned for and was accepted by the “Children’s Hour” radio show which was aired on NBC radio on Sundays from 10:00A-11:30A. His audition piece of “Would You Like to Swing on a Star” impressed the selection jury and his professional career was launched! Jerry notes that he learned discipline and the value of networking during the several years that he performed in “The Children’s Hour” show. Mr. Stuart attended the High School for Performing Arts in New York City during which time he took vocal classes and developed his terpsichorean skills as well. He haunted the boards and did many auditions which finally landed him a spot in “Pajama Game” a Broadway smash hit musical. Jerry also did several shows at the Jones Beach musical theater on the south shore of Long Island which further helped him to polish his performing skills. Subsequently, Mr. Stuart performed as a production singer in the cast of “Damn Yankees” which was another big Broadway smash starring Gwen Virdon. Jerry engaged an agent from the famed Kaplan talent agency which resulted in his going on the road to perform in variety shows in many noteworthy supper clubs throughout the country. After 15 or 20 years on the road, Jerry returned home to the asphalt jungle where he landed a job as a production singer at the famed Latin Quarter night club in New York City. After awhile as musical tastes began to change, Jerry moved to Washington D.C. to perform in dinner theater for several years. He then moved to California to join up with friends who were involved with party planning featuring musical programming. Jerry had a chance during this era to hobnob with Hollywood royalty. In 1992, Jerry moved to Oregon to be close to friends. This inveterate performer landed a performance spot at Wilf’s at the train station and a regular featured spot at Libbie’s Café in Milwaukie where he sings at a trad jazz jam every Tuesday evening. More recently Jerry has been featured at Tony Starlight’s Supper Club where he has found yet another performance home. There is no end in sight for this tireless performer who has made the journey from the Bronx to Tin Pan Alley to Milwaukie, Oregon sharing his love of singing with his adoring audience. This gentleman has become the master of the American Song Book and delivers a polished, warm and entertaining performance that gladdens the heart and stimulates nostalgia for yesteryear when the music was great and the songs were straight and pure of heart. This singer with a smile in his voice and warmth in his heart uplifts his audience and he clearly is energized by the smiles and enjoyment which circulate during his performance in a mutually enhancing synergy which lifts all ships. Jerry Stuart is a musical treasure who grows on you as a result of his love for the art and his polished and sincere delivery. Here’s hoping for many more chapters of the Jerry Stuart story yet to come. Richard Lazere
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