Submitted by Vincent Caruso, Jul 19, 2007 14:34

This was such sad news to learn - 55 years old. So young. A major talent - both international and also home-grown American. I was lucky enough to hear Jerry Hadley and Thomas Hampson singing the title roles in a Metropolitan Opera production of Mozart's opera, Cosi Fan Tutte. The on stage chemistry between these two was so obviously fun and friendly - they made their characters so much more believable and brought the house down with applause.

As further proof, there is a fantastic recording that I love listening to, and one track in particular...It's called "Marilyn Horne: The Men In My Life". RCA; ASIN: B000003FQ0 . The men who sing on this recording with her include Spiro Malas, Samuel Ramey, Thomas Hampson and Jerry Hadley. The songs are drawn mostly from American Standards and Broadway Musicals. My favorite track stands out because it's funny and shows the non-serious side of these folks. Drawing on my experience of hearing Mr. Hadley and Mr. Thompson in the Met's Cosi Fan Tutte, it was always great to hear the two of them, along with Ms. Horne singing and hamming it up with funny side comments throught the terrific and clever Cole Porter song, "Friendship". Listening to the song and its words now is incredibly bittersweet, considering how much Mr. Hadley was troubled. I've included the lyrics below.

I've read in many of the news accounts, blogs, etc., that many who knew Mr. Hadley were stunned to learn of his sad and tragic demise. It seems that he was fighting a 'personal battle' and keeping it mostly to himself, or perhaps with some friends and/or family members. Hearing about this kind of tragedy reminds us of people who we may know who are also suffering silently. Interestingly, in a number of on-line sites which mention the Hadley tragedy, and that allow reader comments/feedback, I've noticed that quite a few people have stated that this event is a strong reminder to "reach out and touch someone" - to offer some words of compassion and consolation to someone. I completely agree. These actions just might make a key difference in someone else's life and offer some relief to the awful suffering. We must, in my opinion, all do more to openly support education and awareness of depression, post traumatic stress disorder, etc., eliminate any negative stigmas associated with mental health, and promote the healthful benefits that psychiatry, phsychology, therapy, spiritual counseling, prayer and sometimes plain old talking to someone all can offer.

Say a prayer for Mr. Hadley and for his family, especially his two sons.

Words and Lyrics by Cole Porter

If you're ever in a jam, here I am

If you're ever in a mess, S.O.S.

If you ever feel so happy you land in jail, I'm your bail

It's friendship, friendship

Just a perfect blendship

When other friendships have been forgot

Ours will still be hot

A-lottle-dottle-dottle-dig-dig-dig

If you're ever down a well, ring my bell

And if you're ever up a tree just phone to me

A-yes-sir-ee

If you ever lose your teeth and you're out to dine, borrow mine

It's friendship, friendship

Just a perfect blendship

When other friendships have been forgate

Gate?

Ours will still be great

A-lottle-dottle-dottle-chuck-chuck-chuck

If they ever black your eyes, put me wise

If they ever cook your goose, turn me loose

And if they ever put a bullet through your brain, I'll complain

It's friendship, friendship

Just a perfect blendship

When other friendships have been forgit

Ours will still be it

A-lottle-dottle-dottle-hep-hep-hep

If you ever lose your mind, I'll be kind

And if you ever lose your shirt, I'll be hurt

If you're ever in a mill and get sawed in half, I won't laugh

It's friendship, friendship

Just a perfect blendship

When other friendships are up the crick

Ours will still be slick

A-lottle-dottle-dottle-woof-woof-woof

hep-hep-hep

a-chuck-chuck-chuck

a-dig-dig-dig

Good evening friends!

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