Dear Editor:
May 14 marks the 14th anniversary of Frank Sinatra’s passing. Still, Hoboken’s favorite son’s presence is very much with us through the miracle of CDs, film and DVDs. His fans, which include folks from every genre of entertainment and every walk of life, remember his remarkable career.
The likes of Tony Bennett, Harry Prime, Peggy King and even hard rock Black Sabbath tribute singer Billy Jon Coogan and California’s big band conductor, arranger, bassist George Roumanis (he played with the Ralph Flanagan band) appreciate Sinatra’s important niche in the history of popular music. Music maven Will Friedwald who wrote the award winning Sinatra bio, ‘The Song Is You’ as well as singer/actress Jane Powell and Deana Martin (daughter of entertainer icon Dean Martin) are included in remembering Frank Sinatra, whose style and especially that ‘Voice’ will live on forever and shine as a beacon for all aspiring singers to achieve his high standards.
As the song says, ‘Yes Indeed,’ we miss you Francis Albert Sinatra.
(PS: For Big Band Era fans, Peggy King and Chris Valenti co-host the Internet talk show ‘Off The Cuff’ that can be heard every fourth Sunday of each month from 7-9 p.m. Eastern time. Check out WYYR.com for details. The station features music from the Big Band era along with big band singers including Sinatra, Harry Prime, Bob Eberle, Dick Haymes, etc. ‘Off The Cuff listeners can chat with Peggy and many show biz/music stars call in with fascinating stories from that wonderful era and so can you.)
Herb Stark