Broadway actor Nick Cordero who died in July last year, aged 41, after a long battle with coronavirus is being remembered today with the release of his final performance. On March 9, 2020, at Sony Hall, he sang a duet with Liana Stampur of Maren Morris’s single “Dear Hate”.
“I found myself thinking about Nick, how much I miss him and so many others lost, and how so much had changed in the world since he left us,” said Michael Moritz, Nick’s music director. “I remembered that I had Nick’s last public performance in my archives, and felt a real desire to release it to the world. I woke up with an idea and called Nick’s wife, Amanda. I asked what she thought about releasing this poignant single to honor all the people who’ve helped our country through the difficult year, and honor all those lost to COVID-19. Nick loved this song and sounds so good on it with Liana. The lyrics serve as a reminder that love and beauty remain, even in the seemingly darkest of times; a fitting message for this moment in history.”
The song is available from today at Broadway Records and on iTunes — and will be released later this week on all other digital platforms. Proceeds from “Dear Hate” will benefit The Actors Fund.
Nick Cordero originated roles in A Bronx Tale and Waitress and received a Tony Award nomination for his role of Cheech in Bullets Over Broadway. For the duration of his illness, fans and friends united over social media to support Nick by singing his original song “Live Your Life”. Those wishing to support the family directly can donate to their GoFundMe page.
Beautiful song gave me the chills.A talented young man taken away from us way to soon.May he rest easy in heaven 🙏 💔