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.
