Having been a Sinatra fan for many years, a fantastic moment in my life was seeung him LIVE at a midnight charity show at the Odeon Cinema in Londons Leicester Square in(I think) 1962. We (my girlfriend & I,& 2 friends) sat in the third row from the front. Nearby were Peter Sellers(who introduced the show)Anthony Quinn,Des O'conner & many more glitterati.Wonderful atmosphere.After the interval the curtain opened & Sinatra was sitting there on a stool, with no introduction,&just a trio or quartet of musicians,(Bill Miller,I think)to back him. Then followed an hour and a half(maybe 2)of sheer bliss. He was at the height of his career and on top of his form.An evening etched in my memory for ever.

Hi
The first time I saw Frank live in London at the Royal Albert hall was fantastic.
I was watching to see what all the fuss was about and analysed to complete performance.
Once he had overcome his initial nervous start...the music was great anyway...he knew that he had got us all hooked and really turned it on.
Talk about a magic performance!
Pure musical power you could call it.
I was 10 feet from him after the show and was too shy in those days to say hello.
Not any more am i like that.
Best wishes,
RIP Frank,
Barry.
xxx

I had the privelege to see Frank Sinatra in concert three times in the mid 70's.

Even though at each event, there were throngs of people, i trully felt he was sing for and to me.

That was his incredible talent. As one MSG Concert
ended and he raised his hand to wave to acknowledge the applauding audience, I instinctively waved back for I was convinced he was waving at me and singing for me!

Without question, Frank Sinatra was the greatest interpretive musician in american history. His legacy will live on as long as people's love of music and its effect on human emotion exist.

Visit any city bar or a restaurant full of young people tonight,and at some point as night meets the day you will hear the voice of Sinatra singing
for the lonely!

Very nice site!

Growing up in Finland I was listening to Frank Sinatra.They are fond memories and visiting Palm Springs recently,it felt special to be in the town that he loved.It was also nice to see Frank Juniors star on the sidewalk.God bless the Sinatra family.

As time moves by fast, I was in a record store on Haight Street in San Francisco, and looked at all the Frank Sinatra records they had. Since I grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones,and Beatles, at 54 now I now appreciate his music, and style that seems to last for ever. Although I never saw him in person, I came across a few great boot leg concents, Sinatra in Westhester 4-1-1976, Frank at Radio City 10-20-78, and Frank Sinatra at the Masonic Auditorium in San Francisco 6-19-81, and now understand him better. acenet1@mindspring.com

My father wrote this 10 years ago. I tried unsuccessfully to post it online hoping that Mr. Sinatra and his family would see it. 2 weeks later Frank died and I was heartbroken ~ over his passing and the fact that I failed to get my dad's thoughts out there. I grew up listening to Frank because that's what dad played and still does. So thanks for the chance to try again.

Once upon a time not so long ago I discovered the two most beautiful names I ever heard ~ Frank Sinatra ~ While I was in my middle teens, I would often hear people and friends talk about that new singer Sinatra and how great his voice was. I had never heard you sing, until one Saturday night I turned the radio on to listen to the Lucky Strike Hit Parade. The first song I ever heard you sing was "Poinciana." I'll try to explain how I felt. I was happy, peaceful, excited, and in love all at the same time. I felt like I wanted to go out and kiss the first girl that I saw. From that moment you have always been my hero. My brothers and I bought all your 78's that we could afford. It was then that I started my collection of your songs. I have a large amount of your 45's, 33's, 8-tracks, and cassettes. Just last week I bought one of your early LP's "Frankie." It took me quite awhile to find it. All through the years that followed, my family and friends would on my birthday and Christmas make sure I had the latest music, books and concert tickets. One of my best days was on April 20, 1993. The night when you appeared at the Rochester War Memorial. I arrived early in order to position myself to snap some photos. I wasn't having any luck until I saw a Rochester Police Officer on security detail. I am a retired Rochester Police Officer so he allowed me to stand near the rear entrance where you would enter. As you exited your limo with your security, I snapped 8 photos that turned out beautiful. When you were right in front of me I put out my hand and you shook it. You said, "Who are you?" I was so excited I could not speak. Then two of your security people told me, "no photos" and I was escorted to the exit gate. Sadly, later on I found out that the security officer who did me the favor was reprimanded. I then met my brother and family inside and enjoyed the greatest concert I have ever seen. When you were introduced, I'm sure you received the greatest standing ovation of your life. After the show, no one wanted to leave, we all wanted more. A girl and her friend came toward me and happily cried, "He threw me his handkerchief." I was so happy for her I kissed her on the cheek. I then told her, "I shook hands with Sinatra." She asked, "which one?" I raised my right hand and she kissed it. My wife and I saw you at the Niagara Falls Convention Center and it too was great. On April 16, 1994 my son and son-in-law took me to Syracuse for your concert and on the way we saw your limo but couldn't catch up to you. I'm just starting now at this late time to put together photos, newspaper stories and clippings in your regard. I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't start years ago. Although my house was always filled with Sinatra music I never thought my kids were very interested. One day I came home from work and I passed my son's room and hear music. I opened the door and there he was standing by the HI-FI ~ completely mesmerized listening to Capital LP Sinatra Sings of Love and Things. It's really hard to put into words all the joy and happiness your music has given me and my family through the years. While it's true many people love you, remember that no one loves you and your family more than I do. At night when I pray to our lord, I ask that he keep you and your family safe, healthy and happy. I forgot to mention that besides being the world's best singer you are also a great human being. I often hear about the good and generous deeds that you performed for some of the servicemen during World War Two. It's too bad more people don't know all the unselfish acts you performed. If they did you would be everyone's hero, not just mine. When you love someone like you love every member of your family don't you want to do something for them? We all do. Well that' the way I feel about you and your family. I you read this letter, tell me what I can do for you. Isn't there something I can do to show how much you mean to me?

After all these years I finally got to post this letter for my dad. His 80th birthday is August 5th and the best present he could ever receive is to know that Frank's family saw his letter.
Hope his dream comes true and if it's not meant to be I know it makes him happy to share his love of Frank with all of you. Many thanks!

Our house was filled with the music of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack while we were growing up. My mother, passed her love of "ol blue eyes" as she referred to him, on not only to her children but to her grandchildren.

Mom passed away six months ago and as she lived here in Texas with us and was buried in New Jersey we had two services. At both, we had a selection of Frank Sinatra songs playing. To the surprise of many Texans it was quite different from most memorial services.

When I spoke about my Mom, I told eveyone this story that I will never forget and would like to share it as she told me.

Mom: When Frank was playing at the Paramount in New York City. I was in high school in Plainfield, New Jersey and my girlfriends and I cut school and took the train into the City to see him. When we got back home, your grandfather was waiting for us at the station. And, I would ask her, Mom, was it worth the punishment? And, she would always say, you bet it was!!

To clarify my cousins (Ron) post on 26 May 08, I am making a couple of corrections: my father, Herbert (Herbie) M. Haymer was killed on 11 Apr 49 in an automobile accident which occurred in Santa Monica, CA and caused by a drunk driver, I believe her last name was Coleman?. He was on his way home from a recording session with Ol' Blue Eyes in which they 'cut' The Hucklebuck and It Happens Every Spring. My dad was slated for the next session (6 May 49) in which Frank was recording Let's Take An Old Fashioned Walk and Just One Way To Say I Love You. He was replaced by Babe Russin for those recordings. He was a Tenor Sax, however, played a variety of instruments from Clarinet to the Flute (including Alto and Bass Sax)..

The flowers for the funeral which was held in Forrest Lawn from both Frank and Axel, including all the other great artists he worked with were spectacular. The arrangement from Frank 'shaped' into a Sax was spectaclular. I will be doing a complete BIO on my dad on the website AAJ http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=7515

I have Frank's complete library, he was a terrific artist and a very good friend to my parents.

RIP

Sinatra s music affects me immensely.Especilly his Greatest love songs.Always enjoy listening to them.He felt the soul of music.Let his site keep going.Much obliged to you. From Russia with love.

When Frank appeared in Akron, Ohio very early in his career, he sang "This Love of Mine" and I bought his record the next day. Whenever his songs are remembered today, I never hear that one mentioned. Oh, I think i paid $1.10 to see the show and $1.10 for the record.

Growing up my father would tell me stories how he would cut school and go see Frank at the Paramount. As I grew up the only music you heard on a Saturday night when our family would get together was Frank Sinatra. The younger kids would play games while the grown ups would play cards , eat cheese and other snacks. As I grew up I started to go with my Father to Sinatra myself. Once at Las Vegas, once in New Jersey (Garden Art Center) and once in Westchester. My father is no longer with me and when my cousins come over the house, they all say "Lets play some Sinatra for Uncle Tony.
Now my own children has grown to enjoy him as much as I did . Franks music today still brings back memories of our family gatherings and the love we had for each other.

frank sinatra was a man like no other,... a consumate artist who set a style..... I was very fortunate to have knowen him..
his friend the late Pat Henery took me to his house in beverly hills and " guess what" he answered the door.. along with his chinese butler what a thrill " he was just devorced from Mia Farrow and he bought back the house he owned with ava gardner he had food sent up from Stephninos : resteraunt and we ate and watched television he was a complete gentleman and host

the next day I was invited to warner brothers to hear him reherse with Harry James he also gave me every record he made with 'reprise' while I was there (he owned the lable at that time)

a few weeks later when he was performing at Ceasars Place,... jilly Rizzo his close friend
sat my friend and I at franks table down front I sat with the likes of marilyn Maxwell and Duke Ellington afterwards we would go to his suite and people like "rocky granzano" where there
and then they would start throwing the "cherry bombs' for a laugh....
one evening up in vegas after a show frank came to sit with me he was signing autographs for some airline people when' Paul Anka " came and joined us (he paul ) was appearing up the strip so there I sat with these two great entertainers while people looked on I thought well this is my fifteen minutes of fame ha ha ...
another time in vegas
while talking too frank I mentioned I drove up
and was leaving after the show and he said carol there is a bad sand storm take my room I am going too the bahamas tonite he found out that I was Italian too and said anything for an Italian girl ha ha
I saw him many times the next three years so I was indeed fortunate I remember at Jilly Rizzos funeral he was so sad... his friend is buried next too him in Palm springs its says "he was the best" I belive.. and franks says "the best is yet too come "and I am sure heaven will never be the same carol mossuto june 21 2008

June 21 2008

In 1939 I double-dated an Eastman School of Music student. She came bouncing out of the dorm exclaiming, “Just heard the greatest singer on the radio, singing with Harry James, named Frank Sinatra. Buy it tomorrow.” I did. The label read: “The Harry James Orchestra, vocalist Frank Sinatra.” What a fabulous voice!
Forty-five years later I still had the old 1939 record and gave it to a friend who claimed he could get Mr Sinatra, who was booked at the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach, to autograph it. My note accompanied the record.
Several months passed and I received a call from Sinatra Enterprises in California. “Your record arrived in a hundred pieces. What should we do with it?”
“Return it, please.” I replied.
“We’ll send you an autograph photograph of Mr Sinatra.”
“Not interested,” I said, jokingly, “Just send the broken up record to me.” It arrived about two months later. I glued it together with Crazy Glue and framed it because I was proud to be one of the first to recognize this nonpareil voice. Another month went by and I received an autographed photograph that read, “For Al Schauseil – with my very Best Wishes, Frank Sinatra. ’84.” I was overjoyed to have it.
Fans will know that approximately 7000 of the 1939 records sold. It was reissued in the fifties and was a hit. The new label read, “Frank Sinatra with the Harry James orchestra.”

Al Schauseil

Congratulations on your coverage of the tenth anniversary of the passing of incomparable entertainer Frank Sinatra. I had the pleasure of knowing "The Voice" over a 25 year span. The first time was when he arrived in Reno for his first nightclub appearnce in the state of Nevada in August of 1951. He landed in Reno and promptly smashed the camera of an Associated Press reporter. Later the next day my partner and I inveigled the Riverside Hotel in Reno, where he was appearing, to let us photograph Frank betwen shows. When we approached him he was sitting beside a gorgeous brunette and asked, rather meekly, "Do you mind if Ava is in the picture, too?" We said of course not, because it meant we could peddle the shot for twice as much money.

In 1960 Frank was appearing at the Cal Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe. He called down to invite the principals in the movie "The Misfits" to be his guests at a Saturday night performance. Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, Eli Wallach, John Huston and Arthur Miller readily accepted. Clark Gable said he would attend but only if the entire cast and crew were invited. Frank ended up picking up the tab for some 120 persons I escorted to the lake by limo and bus.

A few years later we were fortunate to be Frank's guests at ringside when he and the rest of the "Rat Pack" opened the new showroom at the Cal-Neva, which was then owned by Frank. Following a two-hour magificent show Frank joined us and asked very sincerely, "Was I okay?"

On another occasion, In December of 1963 I had the task of keeping Frank company while he stayed at the Mapes Hotel in Reno, awaiting a call from the kidnapers of his son. When the call finally came we had to smuggle Frank past the horde of newsmen, out the back door of the hotel. One reporter had stationed himself outside the back door and after the FBI agent in charge and I had unceremoniously tossed Frank into a potato bin adjacent to the hallway, I had to go and convince the reporter that the singer was going out the front door of the hotel. Dusting Frank off we dispatched him to the airport and he made his way to L.A. to pay the ransom money.

Over the ensuing years he was always a gracious host whenever he had an opening night in Las Vegas. A one of a kind gentleman and absolutely the greatest entertainer of the 20th Century.

I can recall hearing "Frankie" songs at a early age. My family always had him playing in our house.

Just one song, and I was hooked. There is just nobody better and there never will be. Everytime I listen to him, it's like I am transported into another time. A simpler time. I get to thinking while I listen about past times.

It can be relaxing or exciting, whatever you want just listen to Frank.

I miss Frank, nobody else on earth like him.

My earliest memories of Frank came when I was a high school senior in 1984. I heard his music at a friend's house, and the rest was history. I saw him live 18 times between 1988-93/94. I once saw him 5 nights in a row. The thing that got me w/him was his ability to put over a song. He made you feel that you were right there with him. You feel his emotions/heartbreak/sadness/joy. Frank's music will outlive us all, he will be forever remembered and celebrated. I saw him obviously at the tail end of his career, but there were some nights when he on "on" and others when he wasn't. My biggest thrill was seeing him Vegas. The room went black, and a voice said, "Ladies and gentlemen, Frank Sinatra". But there was no sign of him. Then a spotlight started scanning the orchestra pit, and there he was. It was electric.

Like those of Renee Ashley Baker (May 3), my memories of Frank Sinatra are from the ages of 5,6,7 years of age. Even then, I thought his voice sounded funny, as if he was singing with his nose stuffed up. Many years later, after I had a better appreciation of music and some experience in singing and directing a choir, and I had heard about his famous "elegant phrasing", I realized that his phrasing seemed to be related to his inability to hit the higher notes without stopping to take a breath. This, I assumed, was in turn related to his smoking habit, and was passed off as elegant phrasing. I am probably in a minority here, but I believe that Frank's fame as a singer is related more to a certain popular mystique planted by his promoters and nurtured by popular opinion than to his genuine quality and talents as a singer. In other words, he must be good if everyone (except me) says he is. Personally, I find his renditions annoying.

Mine is more of a memory not of a song, though I enjoy listening to Mr. Sinatra's music.
In the 60's and 70's my Great Uncle, Peter J. Pitchess, was THE Sheriff of Los Angeles County. Not a Deputy Sheriff, but the Sheriff. As such, he met and befriended many celebrities. One was Mr. Sinatra.

I was young and living with my family in New Jersey, occasionaly we would fly "out" to California to visit relatives. I recall sleeping overnight at my Aunt and Uncle's home, in one of their guest bedrooms. At the time they lived in Pasadena, CA. On the dresser there was a bust of my Aunt Athena (we are Greek and you can't get much more Greek than with the name Athena...!).

So I read the inscription on the base of this piece of sculpture and much to my surprise AND delight it read, "To the Greek Goddess Athena from Frank and Barbara Sinatra." I'm sure that isn't an exact reading of the inscription, however, I do recall most of this is what I read and perhaps there was more...I do not remember.

I was really impressed by this. I mean, here was this kid from Jersey and to think that my Uncle "Pitch" (short for Pitchess) was a friend of Frank Sinatra's. Very Cool!

As it turns out, I have a poster of a movie "still" with the Rat Pack and my Uncle is in the group photo. It was taken on the set of "Sargaent's Three" (I believe?)

There are other memories and pieces of memorabilia that I possess both tangibly and intangibly, however, I really enjoy the story of that "bust" of my Aunt Athena.

sometime in the 1940's during WWII there was this contest as to who was america's most favorite singer, sinatra or bing crosby.

i was a huge sinatra fan and wanted to see him win this contest so badly that i wrote to my brother Michael who was currently serving in the navy to see if he could get all of his buddies to sign the paper for frank over bing.

i waited and waited for my brother's response and when i finally received it, my brother wrote back kindly reminding me that he and his friends were all too busy fighting a war.

i was real upset with him at first but i loved him and forgave him - and it turns out frank won the contest anyway w/out my brother's help!!

a fan forever,

susan beresky drzal
fairfield, CT

Sinatra Was A Gentleman.

My wife and I and other utility executives had just finished having dinner with our congressmen back about Feb. 5, 1981 and were in the lounge of the Hotel Madison in DC. Someone whispered that Frank, his wife and another couple were having dinner in an adjacent room. We all went to peek thru the portholes of the swinging doors and sure enough, THERE HE WAS. There were two bodyguards standing inside the swinging doors. We had never seen him perform much less been this close to HIM.
I thru caution to the wind straighten my bowtie and pushed thru the doors. I caught the two men by surprise. I pushed the doors open and went by them and said, "I going to say Hi to my friend Frank".
I stood by him, he looked up at me. I was expecting a nasty, who the hell are you, throw this guy out. Instead he asked if he could help me. I replied, "My wife and I are life long fans and I would like for you to give my wife your autograph". He said "Sure, what's her name". I gave him my business card and he wrote,

HI, ANNIE.
LOVE, FRANK SINATRA.

Our table was abuzz at my gall for having done that. But that opportunity would never come again.

Some of my favorite stories of my mother's youth were the ones about Frank Sinatra. My mother, Dolores Birdex, was born in Harlem and was raised in Hell's Kitchen. The theaters and the clubs were walking distance from the neighborhood. As a teenager, my mom would wait outside The Paramount for autographs with the crowd of fans. This was the era before civil rights laws were needed in order for people to be treated with civility. While waiting excitedly for an autograph from Mr. Sinatra, another fan pushed my mother aside in an act of meanness and racial animosity, insinuating that my mother did not belong there. Mr. Sinatra witnessed the incident and reached out to my mother to sign her autograph instead of the girl who had pushed her aside. From then on, every time Mr. Sinatra saw my mom he continued to sign an autograph and speak to with her, and even selected her for a fan publicity shot.
My mother's encounter with Mr. Sinatra was one that endeared him to my heart because his act of kindness, created a truth for my mother, that good people are good people, regardless of color or class, and they do what is right. People who are kind when no one is looking, or when there is nothing in it for them, are genuine. That is an admirable trait and testament to the true character of an individual. It is no wonder that Mr. Sinatra went on to become instrumental in breaking down the color barriers in the entertainment industry. It was something he did it because it was the right thing to do.
Too often people fail to understand the magnitude that the venom of racial epithets can have and how they taint one's perspective of the world. I believe that because Mr. Sinatra's 'color blindness' was a positive experience for my mother, it counteracted the negative experience and the limits racial discrimination can have. My mother moved to the village as a young woman and contributed to life as an artist, winning a scholarship to study at the Art Student's League, and eventually broke color barriers in the fashion industry by becoming a designer of infants and children's wear. Part of her success was due to her being open to creating positive relationships with people regardless of their background and not allowing herself to feel limited by her race, which undoubtedly she learned by her experience with Mr. Sinatra. I am honored to share her story with the fans, friends and family of Mr. Sinatra.

Shortly after the death of our two month old child we were able to see Frank perform live in Milwaukee with Buddy Rich in the mid eighties. Hearing "PENNIES FROM HEAVEN" and other great songs helped to ease the pain and embrace life as a wonderful experience.
I have been a SINATRA fan for many decades and as I reflect on the 20th century I feel that of all the great singers and artists the three who had the greatest influence on the AMERICAN CULTURE were(in order) SINATRA,ELVIS,and LOUIE ARMSTRONG.
Their music will be the "standard" in 2108 and beyond.

When Frank Sinatra was appearing on "Your Hit Parade" in New York City, it was impossible to get tickets. However, my friends and I would go to the studio and hope there we be tickets available - no luck.

This one time we saw his car pull up and Frank got out to enter the studio. I was in front of the crowd so as he past me I grabbed his arm. Being the gentleman he did not pull away. I let go and he entered the studio.

I was so excited when I got home I told my sister to touch the hand that touched the arm of Frank Sinatra. I saw Frank in person many times but this was my biggest thrill.

As a senior I am still a big fan.

When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2002, I dreamed of Frank every night. It was always the same: a hotel room, Frank appearing as if he had just completed a show, and I staying with him long after the other guests had surrendered the evening. I was working on my MFA in Creative Writing at the time and wrote a poem entitled "Dreaming of Frank Sinatra," which was later bookended, after my daughter's birth, with "When I Stop Dreaming of Frank Sinatra." Once she arrived, he disappeared, and I actually mourned the loss of seeing him every night. That first year, any time my daughter and I went into Borders, which we did regularly, Frank would begin singing over the P.A., and I'd whisper, "Hi, Frank." I even went to a psychic/angel reader (not that I believe in those things, but it was 25 bucks and I had some time). She asked me, "Do you have some connection with Frank Sinatra?" I answered: I feel as if I'm supposed to take care of him. She told me some other things--and I went home and poured over my Sinatra biographies (I'm a collector of books about Frank)--things I didn't have answers for when she asked, but her remarks were right on every one. Another strange occurrence: Sometime in 2003, I walked into a bookstore in downtown Denver and looked around for a while, maybe an hour. When I went to check out, I asked the woman behind the counter if she happened to have any books about Frank Sinatra. "Funny you should ask," she said, "Someone just dropped those off." I looked over to where she was pointing and found eight paperback books about Frank, mostly published in the 1960s. Frank's picture hangs in our living room. A few lines from the first poem:

“or the bench of the piano, where Frank
once propped a polished shoe and leaned into the swing of “I’ll be seeing you,” no hat, shirt collar spreading across cashmere like a dinner napkin. An after hour Sinatra, singing in my sleep, drinking in my dreams.”

I am 70 years old. My mom & dad took me to see Frank & Dean in New York city when I was a child. I loved him and his music ever since. My sons best friend got shot & killed at 15 in Phoenix. AZ & he loved "MY WAY". We played it at his funeral. There was not a dry eye. I grew up & loved Vegas. I saw Frank a lot at the Sands Hotel but the best time of my life was when Ceasers Palace invited me in 1979 to a party for Franks 40th year in show business. It was first filmed for TV and afterwards we had an all night party, dinner & dancing. Dean Martin & everybody that was anybody was there. I told Frank Happy Birthday & he kissed me on the cheek. I will never forget that. He also gave me a music box with his bust on it and it plays "My Way". What a treasure. I lasted from 6 at night until 7 the next morning & rode up the elevator with Robert Mitchum. Frank told a story about when he was a teenager. He got his mom a refrigator for her birthday. She was so happy & she told him there was even milk & butter in it. He said he was a little hood but his mom didn't know it.

In the late 40's and early 50's all I heard about from my friends and neighbors was the beautiful voice of Frank Sinatra. I had never heard him sing. One night on the radio I finally did. It was either the Lucky Strike Hit Parade or Songs by Sinatra. I'm sure it was on a Saturday night. The first song I heard him sing was "Poinciana." It's hard to describe the feeling and emotion I experienced but I do remember feeling myself shaking. I felt like running out of my house and grabbing the first girl I saw and kissing her. I didn't see anyone right away but then got lucky and saw a girl who looked kissable. I was surprised when she didn't scream and holler at me but I was also surprised when she slapped my face. It was worth it!

In the late 40's and early 50's all I heard about from my friends and neighbors was the beautiful voice of Frank Sinatra. I had never heard him sing. One night on the radio I finally did. It was either the Lucky Strike Hit Parade or Songs by Sinatra. I'm sure it was on a Saturday night. The first song I heard him sing was "Poinciana." It's hard to describe the feeling and emotion I experienced but I do remember feeling myself shaking. I felt like running out of my house and grabbing the first girl I saw and kissing her. I didn't see anyone right away but then got lucky and saw a girl who looked kissable. I was surprised when she didn't scream and holler at me but I was also surprised when she slapped my face. It was worth it!

I too, am from Hoboken, NJ. My grandmother used to tell me that Frank Sinatra used to hang out at the schools trying to pick up the girls and she was constantly telling her 3 daughters (my aunts and my Mom)to stay away from him. Heard lot's more stories as a kid but I didn't find out till I was in my 30's while stationed with the US Air Force at Plattsburg, NY and visiting family in Hoboken, my Uncle Robby (whom I'm named after) told me this story. I used to run numbers for my Uncle Robby's brother who owned a candy store. He would always tell me to help myself with the candy. Anyway, he was my Uncle Frank ..... yep, Francis Albert Garrick who was Frank Sinatra's godfather. So although Frank Sinatra would have been 93 this year and I'll be 63, I can always say I'm named after my Uncle Robby and his brother was the godfather of the famous Francis Albert Sinatra.

I'm 84 years old. I first saw Sinatra in person at a high school dance at the Mission Beach Ballroom in San diego when he was with the Dorsey orchestra - I think it was in the late 1930s. I loved his music then, and I still do.

A couple of years later I was working in New York as a dancer. I had seen him at the Paramount theatre, and then I was working as captain of the line at a new night club on the east side - the Riobamba. The first opening act was a new singer, Dean Martin. A little later, Sinatra was booked as the star- it was his first night club appearance, and I was amazed to see a crowd of bobby soxers outside the club trying to get to see him. He was very nice to us, and a perfect gentleman. We were a line of eight dancers, and one night he took us to a nearby movie theatre to see the movie between shows. We all walked back to get dressed, except for Sinatra. Everyone was getting nervous about him showing up , and when his act was announced, he sauntered into the room, stuck his gum on the piano, and wowed eneryone. He gave me an autographed picture, and I had a good collection of his records. Years later, I was living in a boat on the Hudson River, and put most of my possesions in storage. The warehouse was burnt and I lost everything but the memories.

In the early 60's when I worked in Washington, D.C. at a prestigous music sore, Frank Sinatra was appering and staying at one of the finer hotels and wanted good listing music during his stay. He ordered a top of the line stereo console from our store to have great sounding music while in his room. After his engagement was over, he instructed us to donate the stereo console to a local orphanage, which was accepted with great appreation. Just one example of the kind of big heart Sinatra had.

The year was 1946. I was 10 years old and one day I went with my father to his place of work in Waterhouses, County Durham, England. A few months earlier my father had returned home from Singapore and Thailand where he had been a prisoner of war for 3 1/2 years. At his work on that day, my father and some of his fellow workers were talking about a singer they admired called Frank Sinatra. I listened to them talk and thought I must listen to this man. I did and have been a big fan since then. In 1977, my family emigrated to America and settled in Connecticut. In the early 1980's my wife and I had the priviledge of being in the sixth row at a concert at the Hartford Civic Center where we thoroughly enjoyed his performance. It was an honor to be so close to him. My father enjoyed Frank's music until he died in 2001, at the age of 89, and I still enjoy his music very much.

I had been a frequent visitor to the sets of "Higher and Higher" and "Step Lively", Franks first two feature films at RKO because they were produced and directed by my uncle Tim Whelan.

My fondest memory of Frank was when I was about to go into the Army the summer of '44 and Frank shook my hand and wished me luck.

I had been a fan of his since his days with Harry James and later with Tommy Dorsey so his wishing me luck meant a lot to me.

I was celebrating my 25th birthday (for about 6 days at the time)with a number of my female co-workers at a very famous Polynesian restaurant on Fairfax Blvd. in Los Angeles. We were becoming very jubilant, giggly and rather loud and obviously enjoying ourselves when up to our table came Mr Frank Sinatra with Ceasar Romero, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis,Jr. and a rather large entourage behind them. We were all stunned and so very surprised. Mr. Sinatra asked with the celebration was all about as he saw packages, ribbons, cards, etc. strewn about the table along with the evidence of a rather large lunch and liquid drinks thrown in. In unison all the young ladies pointed to me and said it was my 25th birthday. With that announcement he proceeded to sing Happy Birthday to me - not once but twice (using my name too). I was ecstatic and could hardly speak or breath! He stayed a few minutes and chatted with me and then again wished me a happy birthday and left.
He is the only individual I have ever met in the Los Angeles, Hollywood area that I felt was a true star and worthy of the awe I experienced - along with many others. Having worked in the LA and Hollywood area for many years in various entertainment industries, I've met many "stars" and none of them ever came close to this man and his talent. I surely do miss him - I am 73 years of age today and married to the number one fan of Sinatra.
(Incidently - he paid for our afternoon party - what a surprise - but he was that way...)

I first saw and heard Frank Sinatra in the 1930s. He was SO "cute" with such a great voice. We used to go to see him sing at the Cafe Rouge, Hotel Pennsylvania, in NYC, and other NYC places. As teenagers, living in Jersey City, we could manage the round trip fare to NYC by tube train (26 cents) The Cafe Rouge had a Sunday Tea time program in the late afternoon. For a $1.25 minimum charge, one could have a club sandwich, a glass of water, and dance to name bands. We especially liked Sinatra, and would dance as close as we could to him. He would be standing above us on stage. As he sang, his bow tie would bob up and down, and he would smile down at us. We also went to the Meadowbrook, a "road house" in Cedar Grove, NJ, about 10 miles from Jersey City. Too young to have a license to drive, our parents used to take us. While they would have drinks and dinner, we kids would dance and manage to get as close as we could to the stage to adoringly watch Sinatra as he sang.

I was fortunate to see Frank about a dozen times and what always impressed me was the way he "owned" the song and the stage. The last time I saw him he was 78. He came out on stage and was a little frail to start, but as the brass got louder the years melted away and everyone loved seeing him giving it his all this late in his career.

After the show we happended to go to dinner at the same Italian restaurant Frank would go to in Ft. Lauderdale. Frank came in with Barbara along with an entourage and we left about 2am when Frank did. When he came out and apparently out of nowhere, there were fifteen people in wheelchairs lined up outside the exit from young children to seniors. Although Frank never showed it on stage I think his legs were beginning to bother him, and he had to be helped to his limo. However before climbing into his limo he stopped his handlers and chatted with each person. The smiles and expressions he was able to put on those faces at 2am is one I will never forget.

My Dad amd Mom were great Sinatra fans. Dad told this story often. When he was a GI in WWII he was stationed in New Jersey. He and a buddy were in uniform, on leave and hitchiking into NYC. No one was stopping and they were getting discouraged. Then a big white Cadillac stopped, the driver said "Hop in" and they took off. As they were chatting Dad watched the driver out of the corner of his eye (he thought they were with someone important because the toll takers at the bridge just waved him on)and finally said, "You know, you look a lot like Frank Sinatra." The driver replied "I am Frank Sinatra." They talked some more, and when they got the the city, Frank gave Dad his autograph (we still have it). Apparently, Frank did this often during the War, giving rides to many GI's trying to get somewhere. An unforgettable man.

I grew up with Frank Sinatra music. My parents had a Pal Joey album that I played.I sang along with the album. I knew every word to every song. My uncle Sam got the family tickets to the Dina Shore Show for a night Frank Sinatra was on her show. It was a great night. After the filming my mom and I went back stage to get Frank Sinatra's autograph. I don't think I got it, when handing him my girl scout autograph book he began to run. My mom and I ran after him. He got into a waiting car and off he went.

At this time, i'm 70. Cant's be certain when i first heard Frank Sinatra on the radio. Could have been late 40's or early 50's. What I do know, is I loved his voice, followed his career till his passing. A perfect man, is there one? I doubt it. Followed his life, thru the good times and the not so good times. He's given so much pleasure to so many. I feel our worlds greatest entertainer. Not every one knows all the good, he did in his life time, besides being a wonderful showman. My girls grew up hearing my his voice as I played every thing of his I was able to get my hands on. The tunes he sang, his phrasing, the lyrics of each song made his success, not to mention his sensitive sparkling blue eyes. 1992, Frank did a concert in our city. Lady, i told myself, if you want to see him, live, do it now. My oldest daughter and I went to see him. Can't express the feelings I had as he entered the War Memorial and walked to the stage. My daughter, early 40's at the time, sang his tunes along with him. I was in hopes of shaking his hand. It didn't happen. I'd written to is publicist, Susan Reynolds, asking if there was a way for me to meet him. Must be there wasn't. He had a great night. His concert was wonderful. seeing him was one of the happyist moments of my life. Had written a note of condolence when his mother passed, and when he was not well, and was sent thank you notes. Have a few autographed photos of him, hanging on my apartment walls. I can't name one single favorite tune, because I have many favorites. Mr Sinatra, if you can here me in the next world, rest in peace. "There will never ever be another you." I wish you love, Toni
Posted by: Toni Plaksin Mitchell | Jun 8, 2008

Being a teenager throughout the 60s, I was a typical Beatlemaniac and I loved the rock and roll but there was something in me that needed to hear the mellow sounds of Frank Sinatra. I loved my record collection back then (and still do) and it included many of the Sinatra albums. I enjoyed his movies and his style. So much so that whenever I am in chicago I visit Jillies just to be in the "Sinatra ambiance". You hear his music and that voice and it takes me back to those days in the 60s, etc. when I would sit around my stereo (taking a break from the Fab Four) and listen to Frank, and Dean, and Sammie and relax to those mellow sounds. Before my friends and I leave Jillies we have a drink and make a toast to Frank...you just can't help it.

A long, long time ago (1940 to be exact) some friends and I were visiting in Montclair, NJ and were so excited to be going to Frank Dailey's Meadowbrook to hear Tommy Dorsey's orchestra with his soloist, Jack Leonard. Much to our surprise and disappointment when it was time for the soloist to appear, out from behind a curtain a skinny, little shaky guy came out and started to sing -- you guessed it - Frank Sinatra!I believe this was his first night singing with Tommy Dorsey's band. As I said, we were disappointed but little did we know this little guy would go on to such greatness!! That was a night to remember.

'

My dad was an actor till his passing in '85. He had met Mr. Sinatra while working on a nearby set and they struck up a conversation. Dad commented Ol' Blue Eyes on what a great pair of cufflinks he was wearing and Frank said "Oh, you like them? Here ya go!" and put them in my dad's hands. They are such a treasured memento and will be passed on to my son when he turns 21...5 years to go, kid! Such was the generosity of this man.

i started liking sinatra after i saw ocean eleven and that was in 1996 u can say im late but always loved new york new york.im an african american and when he died i heard it was a very good year i fell in love with all his music his personality and dean sammy all over again i even name my dance group the rat pack cause i was the leader of the pack i loved jack daniels dressing up and broads back in those days now frank is all i listen to and i miss him but i have his movies his songs 2 always let me think wat a cool man he was a will always will be frank this toast is to u take care buddy

In the early 70's I met Nancy Sinatra Jr. and asked her if my wife, Joanne, and I could meet her Dad who was performing at the Uni Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. She arranged for us to go backstage, before the show, which was a huge house trailer with really bad furniture. We were met by Jilly Rizzo and ushered to the trailer and told us to wait for Mr. S. In the meantime, Willy McCovey, the world famous Hall of Fame baseball player, came into the trailer and the three of us were talking to Mrs. Barbara Sinatra. We then sat on a sofa awaiting Mr. S. When he walked into the room my wife and I both "lost it" with tears running down our faces and he came over to us and introduced himself and asked us if we wanted a drink! We said "yes" and when he brought them back to us I got up from the sofa, but my wife, who is not a large woman, got stuck in the sofa pillows and Frank and I had to lift her to a standing position. He then asked us to take a photo with him and we did! I further explained to him that my wife's heritage was very Itlian: Sicilian and Calabrese! He chuckled and congratulated me on my good choice of woman. Two weeks later, we received the signed photo of the Sharells and Mr. S. A treasure in our home ever since. He looked like a million and treated us like "we were important". This was a moment to be remembered always...thanks to Nancy Jr! Ol Blue Eyes is "royalty" in our family!

I have loved Franks music since I was very young all the way back when I live in Denmark.came to America in 1954 became Citizen in 1962, my Husbond to me to Las Vegas to celebrate,happen to see the Rat Pack going in for Dinner, I sneak in to say hello and to get there Autograph, Frank was the first one to speak, I told him I was from Copenhagen Denmark, he reply just been there, he was so friendly, Then I ask for their Autograph and not prepare I could only find a Passport picture of my 2 Young girls. He was the first one, then Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, but ran out of room so I did not get Sammy Davis Jr. Joey Bishop was not there.Have colected alot of his Record,Tapes,& now DVD.

I had bought tickets for my parents anniversary to the main event at MSG in 1974 I waited on line a long time but it was worth it. at the time I wasn't a big Sinatra fan - that was my parents music-my Mom had been sick at the time but I thought that when I gave them these tickets she would cheer up
that's when i found out how sick my Mom really was - my Dad told me she had cancer and she was too weak to go to the concert- I can't tell you how I felt at that time- my Mom thanking me for the tickets but they had to give them away- she really wanted to see Sinatra but couldn't go- then we found out that the concert was sold out and Frank Sinatra decided to televise it
so she got to see the concert and for that Frank Sinatra will always have a special place in my heart -- she passed away the summer after that-- funny thing though now that I'm 55 I find myself listening to Sinatra and watching his films- I've become a fan - my parents who are not around anymore would've gotten a "kick out of that "

I`ve been a rabid Sinatra lover since age 11 (I`ll be 57 on 6/14).When I was 22yrs old I had the chance of a lifetime to see Sinatra at the Caesers Palace in Las Vegas. He ended the show singing "My Way" and then exited the stage. I sat in my seat and cried for a solid 30 mins. The waitstaff came over to inquire if I`d be alright. My friend just laughed and said, "She`ll get over it". I simply could not believe that I was so incredibly fortunate to have seen and heard a man who`s music I had admired for years. To this day I still cry when I hear certain songs. He is a master of the lyric and his music will live on forever. What a guy !!

I WORKED AT CAESARS PALACE IN THE 70'S. WHEN FRANK WAS THERE, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WAITING ON HIM IN BETWEEN SHOWS AT THE GALERIA BAR.HE WOULD BE THERE WITH ALL OF HIS RAT PACK AND HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN...ALWAYS GIVING TO ALL WHO NEEDED IT, AND TREATED ME WITH LOVE AND RESPECT//I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM..I WAS HISPRIVATE COCKTAIL WAITRES WHEN HE WAS AT THE PALACE. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Though I was a child of the "60's, I enjoyed Mr. Sinatra's music and that voice. Probably because since the time I was born, my parents played his music "nite & day" My beautiful mother passed away in 2006 from Alzheimers, she couldn't remember her birthday, relatives or the day of the week, but she never forgot or stopped talking about the time in the 1940's when she saw Frank Sinatra