Hi Ed,
I’m not sure if you’re able to disclose this or if this has been discussed in
the past on this invaluable email list: what material outside of the N/R
material for I Remember Tommy was slated for the Complete Reprise Collection
when it was configured as a 24 disc release and what was the decision making
process like in terms of sheering some titles off of the set.
Thank you,
David Barrios
Sent from my iPhone
On Mar 20, 2024, at 3:47 PM, Ed O'Brien <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
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1975 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
First Show
Key Musicians: Gene Cherico (bass), Al Viola (guitar), Irv Cottler (drums),
Charlie Turner (trumpet), Bill Miller (piano), Charles Shoemaker (vibes), Pat
Rizzo (alto sax), Nino Tempo (tenor sax), Francisco Aquabella(bongos).
Nat Brandwynne Orchestra Conducted By: Don Costa
Opening Act: Sam Butera & The Witnesses featuring Sandy Williams.
note: Frank' played two weeks at Caesars, closing on 4-2-75
The title of the engagement was "A Man And His Music."
A 61 piece orchestra backed Frank. His show opened with
a jazz sextet supporting him, then a large string section backed
him on some ballads, then a brass section and then all three
sections came together. Frank liked to do one show a night
during the week and two shows on weekends. But for
the first time ever, he did two shows every night. Las Vegas
Sun reported that Frank, Elvis and Dino were being paid
$250,000 a week ( today that would be $1,477, 518.00 ).
A new record was set when Caesars asked a cover of
$40.00 for Frank's dinner show and #35.00 for the late
show. In the mid 1950s, you could see Sinatra for less
than $4.00. Even the veterans on the Vegas Strip were
amazed at Sinatra's drawing power. Local papers felt
the cover charge to see the big names was out of control.
They questioned whether people would continue to pay
such outlandish prices.
Ed
