As I announced last week, this year fans have a brand new 7-DVD box set of Sinatra performances to crow about. Since my original announcement, I’ve received updated pricing for the product and I’m happy to report that the set is now even more affordable. Actually, at $59.95 for seven DVDs you might call it a steal.

Preorders for the set are being taken now. Everyone who pre-orders will receive a special Sinatra mystery gift.

{ 0 comments }

There has been some question about Sinatra and if he cared about the musicians that played for him here in Vegas. Yes, he can be tough on them at times. What he will say (and how he would say it) depended on how he felt at the time. He can be very moody, but it is all about his relentless push for perfection.

I can tell you from talking to Mr. S. that he really appreciates those who create the music. He really admires those who write the songs he sings.

But he has a special love for those that come to hear him sing. He sings for the people. Their response makes his night. When he is singing his heart out and the audience is with him all the way, he just is so happy. I’ve seen it.

And all the rest of the night, and he will stay up all night, he is a pussycat in the Casino. A sweetheart to deal with.

Many a time, he would be up late sitting at a 21 table and people would come by.

“Mr. Sinatra, your so good.”

“Can you sign this?”

“I can’t belive I’m talking to you”

He is nice but pays very little attention to that.

But a guy comes over and says “Sorry to bother you but I just wanted to thank you for singing “Second time around” “It’s the reason my wife and I are here tonight”.

Frank just beams, he is so pleased. He loves when the people enjoy what he is trying to do.

And when someone who really know his singing says: “Frank, you hesitated going into Come Fly with Me, like you hadn’t really decide to go with it. Second time in it took off. The band was cooking, great job buddy.”

Frank will look at the guy with the look of “you caught that…” and realize that some do catch everything.

Sinatra will just laugh and say something like ” I was just trying to figure what song I was doing.” But I can tell you, he’s always so pleased to talk to those who know what he is doing and can intelligently comment on it.

He has talked with me many times about how important his records were to him and how they will be his legacy. He really hoped the people would buy his records because he put his blood in them.

You know his music well. You are the people he loved to sing and perform for.

{ 0 comments }

“Frank, It’s Labor Day again.” “What do you need and when do you want me ?”. As Jerry Lewis would recount the story most years, that was how he usually described Frank Sinatra’s agreeing to appear on that year’s Labor Day Telethon for MDA.

That kind of a story also harkens back to a different kind of show business; a time when the slogan uttered hourly by announcer Ed McMahon, “Stay up with Jerry and watch the stars come out.” meant a great deal more to even the casual viewer than it does today.

Regardless of the reason, the truly one-of-a-kind “name” performers aren’t seen anymore because that type of in-one entertainment has virtually disappeared. Every generation has its nostalgia, but in my case, staying up to watch legendary or recognizable names in show business, that crossed generations, each year on the telethon was the reason that my best friend and I would plan an all-nighter, with pasta and other food, just to see who might appear. Before the days of home video, one didn’t want to take the chance of missing something, especially because it was also one of the very few LIVE things on the air. [read more…]

{ 2 comments }

I have just picked up the CD – Count Basie Live at the Sands (Before Frank).

This is the sound of the Copa Room.

It gives me chills. So many times I went to the showroom to check if Frank went on during this engagement.

You hear this band playing and the excitement of the people waiting for Frank to come on. Never, never have I see it equaled in any other room or for any other performer.

Other shows it would be the Copa Girls or some comic warming up the audience.

Here you have a “event” going on before Sinatra.

And Sinatra knew it. The word was he would become so nervous and agitated before going on. Sometimes close to being ill. He didn’t want to sit in his tux so he would walk in circles.

Jilly Rizzo keeping everyone away from him.

You got to realize, Frank never went on stage when the performer before him was even close to him in talent.

Here Frank was preceded by another heavyweight. Frank loved and respected the Count and his men.

I have never seen Frank in the state he was before these performances.

Basie’s band would fill the room. I mean fill it. It’s very Sinatra-like.

[read more…]

{ 1 comment }

I’m currently reading Jerry Weintraub’s memoir, “When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead“. The long-time impresario and producer shares his candid reflections, full of behind-the-scenes and insider stories involving some of the biggest names in show business, Hollywood, politics and glitterati.

Among the many references to Frank Sinatra, of particular interest will be the story of how “The Main Event” went from an idea conceived in almost desperation, to the intentional idea that The Chairman was to be captured totally LIVE, with no rehearsal. My favorite moment is when Sinatra sends the set list to Weintraub and it includes songs like Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock”. This makes a now panic-stricken Weintraub rush to the hotel where Sinatra is staying, to be informed “I wanted to see you, and figured that list would get you here quicker than a phone call.”

The remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” is present, along with the subsequent Twelve and Thirteen, plus a ‘Rat Pack-worthy’ prank at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. In the mix throughout is a healthy dose of Elvis and John Denver, all dovetailing with Weintraub’s long marriage and non-divorce to singer Jane Morgan.

All in all, it’s a great late-Summer read from truly one of the last of a kind.

{ 0 comments }