Dear Editor:
Lest we forget, May 14, 2003, marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of
entertainment legend Frank Sinatra whose impeccable taste and music savvy set
the high standards that many of today’s younger performers can’t seem to
attain.
Fortunately, a handful of artists still hold fast to quality music
and lyrics espoused by Sinatra. Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Peggy King, Keely
Smith, Norah Jones, Vanessa Carlton, Kelly Rowland, Lou Rawls, Barry Manilow,
Jerry Vale and Brian McKnight to name a few. Frank certainly did it ‘his
way’ and more often than not, it turned out to be the ‘right way!’
Indeed, Sinatra now heads a heavenly choir including cohorts Dean and Sammy, Bing and
Perry, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Rosemary Clooney, Peggy
Lee and Louis Armstrong. Their inimitable style of vocalizing made them
unique and they all had that ‘secret’ ingredient called ‘CLASS,’ that is so
hard to find in today’s crop of performers.
So here’s a toast to the Chairman of the Board or if you prefer, Old Blue Eyes. ‘Happy Anniversary,’
Frank. Do we miss you? You bet your ‘bird’ we do!
Herb Stark