Dear Editor:
Hoboken’s favorite son Frank Sinatra would have been 96 on Dec. 12, but he’s very much with us via films, CDs and the ‘Siriusly Sinatra’ show on Sirius-XM satellite radio. There are quite a few stars still with us and eager to pay tribute to Old Blue Eyes. They are still performing to this very day.
Included in this parade of talent are the indefatigable “Pretty Perky Peggy King” who sang with the Charlie Spivack and Ralph Flanagan orchestras in the 1950s, made a few movies and was featured on the George Gobel TV show, and now hosts a once a month Internet talk show titled “Off the Cuff” on WYYR.com every fourth Sunday of each month, beside entertaining at private parties and charitable functions. Her co-star, who shared vocalizing honors with Peggy in the Flanagan band, Harry Prime, has quite a resume, having sung with the Randy Brooks, Jack Fina, Tommy Dorsey and Ralph Flanagan bands. Harry had a million seller with the Dorsey band in 1948 titled “Until.” He also performs at private parties and charity events (at 91)!
Also celebrating Frank’s birthday is Will Friedwald, author of the prize-winning biography “The Song Is You.” It remains one of the best books ever written about Sinatra.
Up and coming singer/guitarist Billy Jon Coogan has been a fan of Frank for many years and last but not least, pretty singer/actress Jane Powell, who recorded a CD (on Columbia Records) of Gershwin tunes with Sinatra, will certainly take a moment out to remember Frank. I’d be remiss if I left the great Tony Bennett out of the mix.
All in all, it’s a tribute to a super-terrific legend by these super-terrific artists. Happy birthday, Frank!
Herb Stark
Massapequa