[sinatraphiles] March 13 - THIS DATE IN SINATRA HISTORY

From: Scott Henderson <scott@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: sinatraphiles@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:13:27 -0400

Ed O'Brien included a historical note regarding Sinatra Capitol work happend on this day:

On March 13th, 1953 (Friday) Frank met with Alan Livingston at Lucey's Restaurant, across the street from Capitol Records in Los Angeles, and signed a contract to record for the label.Twenty days after this meeting Frank made his first recordings at Capitol. Four weeks, to the day, after the initial session, he would record with Nelson Riddle. Riddle would write hundreds of charts for Frank over the next 25 years. And it all became possible that afternoon, sixty years ago today, at Lucey's Restaurant.

Studio

1963 Paramount - Los Angeles
Wednesday
Paris When It Sizzles
Arranged and Conducted by Nelson Riddle

The Girl Who Stole The Eiffel Tower

The scene in the film has William Holden imagining
the opening credits to his brilliant new film to a
fascinated Audrey Hepburn. He will get Sinatra
to sing a song over the credits. We then hear
Frank for approximately 13 seconds. It is very
similar to the "Farewell Amanda" vocal scene
from "Adam's Rib" in 1949.

Radio

1939 Frank Sinatra, Songs
WNEW New York, NY
11:45 PM

1941 Fame And Fortune - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
Network: NBC - Blue Network
Location: Hippodrome, Baltimore, MD
Show #24
Sponsor: Nature's Remedy
Time: 8:30PM - 9:00PM (EST) Thursdays
Orchestra Conducted By: Tommy Dorsey
Arrangements By: Axel Stordahl (Sinatra)
Announcer: Fred Utall
Musicians: Ziggy Elman, Bob Alexy, Lee Castle, Jimmy Blake (trumpet); George Arus, Les Jenkins, Dave Jacobs (trombone); Johnny Mince (clarinet, alto sax); Fred Stulce, Heinie Beau (alto sax); Don Lodice, Paul Mason (tenor sax); Joe Bushkin (piano); Clark Youcum (guitar); Sid Weiss (bass); Buddy Rich (drums).
Vocals: Frank Sinatra, Connie Haines, Pied Pipers
Partial Setlist:
1. opening theme: Anything - TD & Orchestra
2. Rockin' Chair - Tommy Dorsey & Orchestra
3. Little Man With The Candy Cigar - Jo Staford
4. The Kerry Dance - Pied Pipers
4. Deep River - Tommy Dorsey & orchestra
5. Oh! Look At Me Now - F. Sinatra, C. Haines & Pipers
6. Killarney ( Dorsey solo ) closing theme: Anything - TD & Orchestra
7. The Man Who Wrote The Lyrics - Paul Mason, C. Haines - Pied Pipers
8. The Man Who Wrote The Lyrics ( reprise )
9. Closing theme Anything -- actually a variation of "Getting Sentimental Over You "

Notes: Washington Post noted in advertising this show: "He's getting nearer and nearer to Washington, bugs. This weeks "Tommy Dorsey's Band" airs from Baltimore, but he'll be on F street soon." Confirmed airing on WJZ.

1943 Your Hit Parade
Network: CBS
Program #408
Time: 9:00-9:45 P.M. (Rebroadcast March 14, 1943 12:00-12:45 A.M.)
Sponsor: Lucky Strike
Script (third revision & final as Broadcast version)
1, Why Don't You Fall In Love With Me (10) - Hit Paraders
2. Moonlight Becomes You (6) - Sinatra
3. Taking A Chance On Love (8) - Edwards
4. Limehouse Blues - Ethel Smith
5. commercial
6. There Are Such Things (4) - Sinatra
7. For Me And My Gal (9) - Hit Paraders
8. Medley: Bim Bam Bim / My Shawl - Ethel Smith
9. I Had The Craziest Dream (7) - Edwards
10. The Old Black Magic (5) - Sinatra & Hit Paraders
11. station break
12. Rosalie - Ethel Smith
13. commercial
14. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (3) - Hit Paraders
15. I've Heard That Song Before (2) - Sinatra
16. Brazil (1) - Edwards & Hit Paraders

1946 Songs By Sinatra
Network: CBS
Location: Hollywood
Show #27
Sponsor: Old Gold Cigarettes
Time: 9:00PM - 9:30PM (EST) Wednesday
Orchestra Conducted By: Axel Stordahl
Arrangements By: Axel Stordahl
Announcer: Marvin Miller
Writer: Glenn Wheaton
Directed By: Mann Holiner
Performers: The Pied Pipers
Guest: Mervin LeRoy, Frank Ross, King Cole Trio
Dress Rehearsal:
1. Some Sunday Morning
2. Light A Lucky
3. The House I Live In
4. A Little Bit Of Heaven
5. Put Your Dreams Away
CBS Broadcast:
1. opening theme - Night And Day
2. Some Sunday Morning - Frank Sinatra
3. What A Deal - The Pied Pipers
4. Old Gold jingle  sung by Sinatra
5. Shamrock Song "A Little Bit of Heaven" - Frank Sinatra
6. intro to Nat Kiing Cole
7. Route 66 - Nat King Cole Trio    first radio performance  - not yet recorded
8. Exactly Like You - Frank Sinatra & King Cole Trio
9. commercial 2
10. Mervyn Leroy & Frank Sinatra
11. scene from "The House I Live In"
12. The House I Live In - Frank Sinatra
13. closing theme - Put Your Dreams Away  ( complete version )

Notes: Confirmed airing on WABC. TT: 30mins. Sound Condition: Excellent. Complete. AFRS version added "I Found A New Baby" November 28, 1945 & "Somebody Loves Me" February 13, 1946 to the broadcast.

1948 Your Hit Parade
Network: NBC
Program #666
Time: 9:00-9:30 P.M.EST (Rebroadcast 9:00-9:30 P.M. PST)
Sponsor: Lucky Strike
Script (Final As Broadcast)
1. commercial 1
2. Manana (4) - Frank Sinatra & Hit Paraders
3. Of Thee I Sing - Orchestra
4. Ballerina (7) - Beryl Davis
5. Golden Earrings (6) - Frank Sinatra
6. commercial 2
7. Forty-Second Street - Orchestra
8. Serenade Of The Bells (5) - Frank Sinatra
9. Jeepers Creepers - Orchestra
10. Beg Your Pardon (3) - Beryl Davis
11. I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover (2) - Hit Paraders
12. commercial 3
13. Now Is The Hour (1) - Frank Sinatra & Hit Paraders

1950 Light Up Time
Sponsor: Lucky Strike Cigarettes
Network: NBC
Show #136
Broadcast: 7:00-7:15 PM EST (Repeat: 9:00-9:15 PM PST)
Starring: Frank Sinatra
Skitch Henderson And The Orchestra
1. opening
2.. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Frank Sinatra
3. commercial
4. Sorry - Frank Sinatra
5. Why Remind Me - Frank Sinatra
6. A Dream Is A Wish - Frank Sinatra
7. commercial
8. Begin The Beguine - Frank Sinatra
9. closing

1955 "The Life and Times Of A Musician: The Kenton Era", Biography In Sound (NBC)
Narrator: Frank Sinatra
Announcer: Fred Collins
Time 7:00 p.m. - 7:55 p.m.
Robert Wogan, Ted Levan, Stan Kenton, Romney Weaver, Frank Bourgholtzer, Robert Wogan, Don Gillis, Leith Stevens.
Note: TT: 56 mins. Sound Very good.

1986 William B. Williams, Waldorf, New York City, WNEW
William B. interviews Sinatra live 22 mins.

Television

1963 The Bob Hope Show
Network: NBC
9:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Guest: Frank Sinatra, Robert Goulet, Brenda Lee, Edie Adams

Frank sang "Call Me Irresponsible" and "Caretaker's
Daughter." The latter was sung with Hope at the
end of their comedy routine.
"Sinatra projected his latest tune, 'Call Me Irresponsible,' with his customary
class. A duet with Hope on 'Who Takes Care Of  The Caretaker's Daughter '
did not shape up as a particularly bright choice."
Variety
3-20-63

1978 "An American In Pasadena," Ambassador Auditorium, Pasadena, California
Guest: Frank Sinatra
Taped February 15, 1978
This was a Gene Kelly special
Broadcast on CBS , Wednesday evening, 2-15-78.
Kelly's guests were Cyd Charisse, Liza Minnelli,
Kathryn Grayson, Janet Leigh, Lucille Ball, Esther
Williams and Frank Sinatra. Gene's leading ladies
and the guy with the sailor suit.
Gene and Frank did a comedy bit and sang a parody of "I
Could Write A Book." Liza subbed for her mother
and Cyd did a terrific dance number with Gene.
He also sang a number of songs including "The Hat
My Father Wore Upon St. Patrick's Day."

Ed O'Brien added even more information last year:
Happened upon a little more information
Show was broadcast on NBC from 9 to 10:pm,
Monday night, 3-13-78. The taping was done in
late December of 77. The show finished #31
in the Nielsen ratings for the week. There were
66 shows on the three networks for the seven day
period.
Here is an excerpt from a wire service review:
The Kelly-Sinatra segment had show-
stopping potential, like the song and dance routine
they did together on the "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back"
special in 1973; but it was not to be this time..
This spot found neither Kelly or Sinatra in top form.
Maybe it was the material: a parody of "I Could
Write A Book," which lacked both sentiment and
style. At any rate, the audience seemed to
appreciate Sinatra's appearance: he left the stage
to one of the few standing ovations of the night.

Concerts

1940 Paramount Theatre, New York City (March 13 - April 9)
PARAMOUNT - NEW YORK
Wednesday
Tommy Dorsey Orch(14)
Frank Sinatra, The Pied Pipers,
Red Skelton, Winfield & Ford
pic: "Road To Singapore"

"Sinatra, in his first date here with the
band, is sock all the way. He does
an appealing job on each of his
numbers, getting a different, easy
interpretation into the lyrics of all.
He is sure of himself and it shows
in his work. Leadoff is "My Prayer"
with a stained church-glass effect
on the drop behind. Follows with
"Careless," "All The Things You
Are," smash "South Of The Border,"
and then comes back to do "Marie"
with the band chorus in the back.
Variety
3-20-40

1941 Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland (March 7 March 13)
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra w/Frank Sinatra
Tommy's Fame & Fortune show for March 13, 1941 would be broadcast from the Hippodrome

1942 Gregory Gymnasium, University of Texas,  Austin, Texas (one-nighter)
Friday Evening
9:00 p.m. -- 1:00 a.m.
Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra

1943 Rio Bamba Club, New York City (March 11-May 4)
Nat Brandwynne's Orchestra
Also appearing: Walter O'Keefe, Sheila Barrett,
The Cerney Twins, Russell Patterson Magazine Girls

1958 Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, Florida (11-17)
Jack Stuart and his Orchestra
Also appearing:  Maria Neglia & Sacasas and his Latin American Orchestra

1959 Fontainebleau, Miami, FLa, (March 3-16)
O.A : Kean & Parker
Red Norvo Quintet: Red Norvo vibraphone, Jerry Dodgion flute & saxaphone
Jimmy Wyble guitar, Red Wooten bass, John Markham drums

1960 Fontainbleau, Miami, Fla, (March 8 to March 27)
26 piece orchestra conducted by: Morty Stevens
Also appearing:  The Duquaines & Sacacas and his Latin America Orchestra

1961 Fontainbleau, Miami, Fla, (February 28 to March 13)
O.A. Buddy Lester
Brascia & Tybee
RADD ALBUM WAS THE THEME

1968 Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, Florida (March 3 - April 6)
Lenny Dawson's Orchestra
Opening Act:  Pat Henry

1976 Harrah's, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
First Show
Brian Farnon Orchestra Conducted By: Bill Miller
Opening Act: Sam Butera & The Witnesses - featuring Sandy Williams.
1. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
2. For Once In My Life
3. The Lady Is A Tramp
4. What's New?
5. Didn't We?
6. Here's That Rainy Day
7. Witchcraft
8. I Sing The Songs
9. monologue
10. Send In The Clowns
11. The Hungry Years
12. My Kind Of Town
13. I've Got You Under My Skin
14. My Way
Notes: TT 55mins.

1976 Harrah's, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Second Show
Orchestra Conducted By: Bill Miller
Opening Act: Sam Butera & The Witnesses - featuring Sandy Williams.
1. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
2. For Once In My Life
3.. The Lady Is A Tramp
4. What's New?
5. Didn't We?
6. Here's That Rainy Day
7. Witchcraft
8. I Sing The Songs
9. monologue
10. Send In The Clowns
11. The Hungry Years
12. My Kind Of Town
13. I've Got You Under My Skin
14. My Way
Notes: TT 53mins.

1978 Sunrise Musical Theater, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (March 13 & 14)
Key Musicians: Al Viola(guitar) , Irv Cottler(drums),Gene Cherico(bass) , Charlie Turner( trumpet) Vinnie Falcone(piano)
Orchestra Conducted By: Bill Miller
Jackie Gayle opened for Frank
song list from March 13/14
1. All Of Me
2. Maybe This Time
3. The Lady Is A Tramp
4.Didn't We
5. Someone To Watch Over Me
6. Something
7. Baubles, Bangles & Beads(w/quintet)
8. Gal That Got Away/Never Entered My Mind
monologue
9. My Kind Of Town
10. Angel Eyes w/ V. Falcone
11. Don't Worry 'Bout Me
12. My Way
13. America The Beautiful

Ed O'Brien provided the setlist above and added:
Frank was set to play the Sunrise March 13-19.
He played the first two nights and then had to cancel
due to a flu bug. He missed the Wednesday and
Thursday shows(15/16) but was set to return on
Friday. Unfortunately the bug was more determined
than Frank and the shows were rescheduled for
April 13 thru 16.

Ed Spiegel:
I attended that Sunrise Theater concert. Was visiting a former girlfriend who lived in West Palm. She met me at the airport and
we went right to the theatre. Don't remember if it was the first night or the second night. I do remember that we had no problem
getting good seats. He sounded fine. Did not know about the cancellations that followed.

1981 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
1.  I've Got the World on a String
2.  Pennies From Heaven
3.  The Best Is Yet to Come
4.  Here's That Rainy Day
5.  Come Rain or Come Shine
6.  'S Wonderful
7.  Angel Eyes
8.  Luck Be a Lady
9.  September Song
10.  I Get a Kick Out of You
11.  I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good)
12.  Fly Me to the Moon
13.  As Time Goes By
14.  You and Me (We Wanted It All)
15.  Theme From New York, New York

Ed O'Brien:
Caesars Palace threw a gala shindig on the 13th and 14th of March.
Billed as an Inaugural Gala for the 1981 season, Caesars also honored
Brigadier General Harry Wald, ARNG-NV, who had recently been elected
President of Caesars Palace. Frank Sinatra and Clifford Perlman co-hosted
the precedings.
A special Sinatra concert at the Colusseum Complex at Caesars was pre-
sented at 8:pm, Friday the 13th. Celebrities in attendance included Cary
Grant, Andy Williams, Wayne Newton, Joan Rivers, Ann Margaret, Alan
King, Steve & Eydie, Muhammed Ali and Joe Louis.
Saturday evening was the Military Gala Ball, honoring the 33 year career
of Wald  The United States Air Force Military Band performed. Frank Sinatra
delivered the keynote address. Alan King was master of ceremonies. Newton,
Williams, Rivers and Red Buttons performed.

Sinatra was at Caesars from the 12 to 18 of the month.
Pat Henry was the opening act and Vinnie Falcone conducted.
Frank did two shows each night except on the already noted
weekend gala.

Set list of songs:
I've Got The World On A String
Pennies From Heaven ( Hefti  arg)
The Best Is Yet To Come
Here's That Rainy Day
Come Rain Or Come Shine
S'Wonderful  ( V. Falcone arg.)
Angel Eyes
Luck Be A Lady
September Song  w/ T. Mottola
Send In The Clowns w/ T. Mottola
I Get A Kick Out Of You   w/quintet   ( V. Falcone chart)
I've Got It Bad And That Ain't Good    ( D. Costa arg.)
Fly Me To The Moon
As Time Goes By  ( V. Falcone arranged and played piano)
You And Me
New York, New York

Note: certainly the apex of the Sinatra-Falcone years was during
the early months of 1981. Frank was singing with a "hot
band," Vinnie had written some exciting and challenging charts,
and Frank was singing at an extraordinarily high level -- often with
a small combo or just a piano or guitar.

1982 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada (4-16)
Orchestra Conducted By: Vincent Falcone, jr.
Notes: substitute for Cher
Saturday evening
O.A. Shields & Yarnell
        Nancy Sinatra
First Show:
1. Get Me To The Church on Time
2. I Get A Kick Out Of You
3. I Can't Get Started
4. Without A Song
5. Hey Look, No Crying
6. The Lady Is A Tramp
monologue
7. Night and Day    verse sung after first chorus
8. All Or Nothing At All    1966 Riddle chart
9. The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
10 These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) Vinnie Falcone backed Frank on piano
11.Something Stupid(with Nancy Sinatra)
12.Theme From New York, New York

Ed O'Brien:
Frank subbed for Cher and did a six day run ( dark on Monday the 15th ).
When the curtain rose Frank would be seen standing by the orchestra,
next to Vinnie Falcone. He would then walk downstage to the microphone.
This Saturday 35 years ago, there was a slight change in plans. Dean
Martin had flown in from Los Angeles a few hours before showtime. He
kept out of sight and strolled on stage as Frank was moving forward
toward the mike. The audience let out a collective scream and Sinatra
realized their eyes were diverted from him to another area of the stage.
As he swung around to see what was causing this commotion, Dean
grabbed him and planted a big kiss right on Frank's lips. Dean let
out a sigh and said, " Oh, does that taste good." The crowd howled
with laughter and Sinatra fell down laughing. The show started with
a lot of foolishness as the two men did some of their Vegas act
for the crowd. Dean then jumped off the stage into a ringside seat,
heckling Sinatra throughout the performance. The crowd loved it.
After the show they had dinner and drinks together. Dean then
flew back to L.A, probably getting home before Frank's second
show got underway.

Ed O'Brien (2016):
Frank opened at Caesars on March 4 for a one week engagement.
He was set to close on the 10th. Cher was unable to fulfilled her
week following Sinatra. He agreed to stay the extra week.
Pat Henry had passed away on February 18th, ending a long association
with Las Vegas clubs and opening for Frank Sinatra on many occasions.
The opening acts for the two-weeks in March were Shields & Yarnell and
Nancy Sinatra.

Here is the set list of songs for the engagement and the alternates.

I Get A Kick Out Of You
The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else
I Can't Get Started
Without A Song
The Long Night
All Or Nothing At All  Riddle uptempo chart
In The Still Of The Night
Something Stupid    w/ Nancy
Gershwin Medley with Vinnie Falcone
New York, New York
alternates: Get Me To The Church On Time, Bang, Bang w/ T. Mottola, These
Foolish Things w/ Falcone on piano

1983 Harrah's, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Notes: FS cancels due to a sore throat; John Denver fills in.

1988 Oakland Coliseum, California
The "TOGETHER AGAIN" Tour (opening)
Orchestra Conducted By: Bill Miller
Other Performers: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, jr.
Dean:
1. When You're Drinking / Bourbon From Heaven
2. Everybody Loves Somebody
3. Where Or When
4. Welcome To My World
5. Here Comes My Baby Back Again
6.. Little Ol' Winemaker Me
7. That's Amore
Sammy:
8. Here I'll Stay
9. monologue
10. Another Spring
11. I've Gotta Be Me
12. Medley: Sam & Drums
13. The Candy Man
14. What Kind Of Fool Am I
15. Mr. Bojangles
Frank:
16. I've Got The World On A String
17. What Now My Love
18. Maybe This Time
19. For Once In My Life
20. This Is All I Ask
21. Mack The Knife
22. medley: The Gal That Got Away / It Never Entered My Mind
23. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
24. New York, Now York
Frank, Dean & Sammy:
25. comedy
26. medley: Side By Side / I've Heard That Song Before / All Or Nothing
At All / Memories Are Made Of This / Something's Gotta Give / Love
And Marriage / Volare / That Old Black Magic / Witchcraft / Bye Bye
Blackbird / I Got Plenty O'Nuttin' / Come Fly With Me / Gonna Build
A Mountain / Oh, Marie / Hava Negilah / All Of Me / You'r Nobody
Till Somebody Love You
27. The Oldest Established
Notes: Sinatra portion 54mins.

1992 Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Orchestra Conducted By: Frank Sinatra, Jr.

-----------------------------------------

EXTRA

1940 Paramount Theatre, New York City (March 13 - April 9)
Emacs!

-----------------------------------------------

1941 Hippodrome Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland (March 7 March 13)
Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra w/Frank Sinatra
Tommy's Fame & Fortune show for March 13, 1941 would be broadcast from the Hippodrome

Emacs!

Variety
3-19-41

-----------------------------------------------

1942 Gregory Gymnasium, University of Texas , Austin, Texas (one-nighter)
Friday Evening
9:00 p.m. -- 1:00 a.m.
Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
Emacs!

Emacs!

Austin American-Statesman (Austin, Texas) · 16 Mar 1942, Mon · Page 10

Emacs!

*Daily Texan* (March 13, 1942 )

When Frank Sinatra Visited the Forty Acres

Before he was a world-famous crooner, Frank Sinatra was a backup singer in Gregory Gym.

Along with legendary jazz musician Tommy Dorsey and a group of more than 20 other entertainers, Sinatra performed during a Saturday night dance for students in March of 1942. At the time, the All University Dances were held in Gregory Gym each Saturday night during the academic year.
image

-------------------------------------------------------------

1950 Sinatra and Faye Emerson are crowned King and Queen of the Bock Beer Festival
Park Avenue Restaurant, New York, NY

Emacs!

Emacs!

Emacs!

Emacs!

Last 2 photos from Michel M.

---------------------------------------------------

1955 "The Life and Times Of A Musician: The Kenton Era", Biography In Sound (NBC)
Narrator: Frank Sinatra
Announcer: Fred Collins
Time 7:00 p.m. - 7:55 p.m.
Robert Wogan, Ted Levan, Stan Kenton, Romney Weaver, Frank Bourgholtzer, Robert Wogan, Don Gillis, Leith Stevens.
Note: TT: 56 mins. Sound Very good.

Emacs!

------------------------------------------------------------

Television

1963 The Bob Hope Show
Network: NBC
9:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Guest: Frank Sinatra, Robert Goulet, Brenda Lee, Edie Adams
Frank sang "Call Me Irresponsible" and "Caretaker's
Daughter." The latter was sung with Hope at the
end of their comedy routine.

Emacs!

---------------------------------------------------------------

1978 "An American In Pasadena," Ambassador Auditorium, Pasadena, California

Emacs!

-------------------------------------------------------------

1982 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada (4-16)
Orchestra Conducted By: Vincent Falcone, jr.
Notes: substitute for Cher
Saturday evening
First show

Ed O'Brien:
Frank subbed for Cher and did a six day run ( dark on Monday the 15th ).
When the curtain rose Frank would be seen standing by the orchestra,
next to Vinnie Falcone. He would then walk downstage to the microphone.
This Saturday 35 years ago, there was a slight change in plans. Dean
Martin had flown in from Los Angeles a few hours before showtime. He
kept out of sight and strolled onstage as Frank was moving forward
toward the mike. The audience let out a collective scream and Sinatra
realized their eyes were diverted from him to another area of the stage.
As he swung around to see what was causing this commotion, Dean
grabbed him and planted a big kiss right on Frank's lips. Dean let
out a sigh and said, " Oh, does that taste good." The crowd howled
with laughter and Sinatra fell down laughing. The show started with
a lot of foolishness as the two men did some of their Vegas act
for the crowd. Dean then jumped off the stage into a ringside seat,
heckling Sinatra thoughout the performance. The crowd loved it.
After the show they had dinner and drinks together. Dean then
flew back to L.A, probably getting home before Frank's second
show got underway.
Emacs!

----------------------------------------------

1988 Oakland Coliseum, California
The "TOGETHER AGAIN" Tour (opening)
Orchestra Conducted By: Bill Miller
Other Performers: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, jr.

Emacs!

Frank, Sammy and Dean Open 29-City 'Rat Pack' Reunion Tour
THOMAS MURPHY
March 14, 1988
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) _ The rat pack is back.

Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, reunited for a 29-city, 40- show tour Sunday night, brought their unique blend of fun times and good tunes to the old fans who loved 'em way back when and young fans who'd never had the chance.

How long have I been on? deadpanned Martin after walking absent- mindedly onto stage holding a cigarette and a glass of bourbon at the start of the sold-out concert.

He then sang When You're Smiling, changing the last word to do drinking. To rousing applause and a few shouts of louder, he then sang Bourbon From Heaven.

Davis, flashing his trademark gold jewelry hanging in chains down his chest, was given a standing ovation for I've Got to Be Me, his signature song.

Davis drew applause when he mentioned he'd been in show business 59 years and had been sober for three years.

The crowd applauded enthusiastically when he performed songs such as Candy Man and What Kind of Fool am I?

Sinatra was the real crowd pleaser, drawing huge ovations from the packed house when he belted out such favorites as For Once In My Life, "Mack the Knife, You Are the Sunshine of My Life,and New York, New York.

Davis and Martin rejoined Sinatra for the closing finale, which featured a lot of kidding along with medleys of pop favorites from the last four decades.

As far as we're concerned, said Davis to Sinatra, an³and I can say this for both of us, you're still the chairman of the board.

Martin added, Yeah, you're still the chairman, we're still bored.

The tour's opening show at the sold-out Oakland Coliseum also marked the 48th anniversary of Sinatra's first stage show: a 1940 appearance at New York's Paramount Theatre with big band leader Tommy Dorsey.

The three of us, we love each other, and we have more fun than the audience, Martin said when the tour was announced in January.

Were going to cities where none of those people have ever, never, seen anything like us.

The 70-year-old joker vowed to get the audience laughing and then they will continue laughing while these guys sing.

Davis and Sinatra, age 62 and 72 respectively, first appeared with Martin at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas in January 1960. They made frequent guest appearances in each others' shows and made a number of films together, including such box office hits as Ocean's Eleven, Sergeants Three, and Robin and the Seven Hoods.

Alameda County Supervisor Charles Santana and his wife, Doris, were among the 14,500 fans at the concert, many of whom decked themselves out in evening and cocktail dresses and sports coats and suits. They said they have been fans of Sinatra since the late 40s.

Mrs. Santana said she was so devoted to her idol that my mother always said I was the one who made him famous.

"I've seen Frank Sinatra before, and I grew up listening to his music, said Lydia Cox, 26, of Oakland. Her 35-year-old brother, Charles, said he came to watch the fun.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, he said. If I didn't see them now I'd never get another chance.

The trio picked up the rat pack moniker after actor Humphrey Bogart used that label for a large group of entertainers that lived in the same area of Beverly Hills.

For the last two decades, they've performed mainly in the glitzy showrooms of Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Sinatra has joked that the troupers wanted to go on tour so that people could see how bad we are.an>

The idea of touring surfaced when the three longtime friends gathered at Sinatra's house. It became possible because all three are under contract to Bally Corp.

The shows, with top tickets going for $40, will be backed up by a 35-piece orchestra. Home Box Office plans to broadcast a special on the show later.

Davis, Martin and Sinatra are among a growing number of aging superstars whose careers only seem stronger with age.

Comics Danny Thomas, Milton Berle and Sid Caeser recently appeared in a made-for-television movie, Side By Side. Rodney Dangerfield, Mort Sahl al and Jackie Mason have all found themselves under contract for one-man shows.

And then there's George Burns, 92, who has a new movie coming out in April. He's booked to play the London Palladium when he turns 100.

In a recent interview for USA Weekend, Burns offered a few kind words for the rat pack: I'm sure those three kids will make it. I think Sinatra hhas potential. He just has to build some confidence. All three will be big stars if they keep working at it.

The "Together Again tour continues in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday, SSeattle on Wednesday, and Chicago on Friday and Saturday.

--

   MUSIC
Reunited Rat Pack--They've Got the World on a String
BY DENNIS MCDOUGAL
MARCH 15, 1988 12 AM PT

LOS ANGELES TIMES STAFF WRITER
OAKLAND - Frank Sinatra had just finished belting "What Now My Love" to the 14,500 paying customers packing the Oakland Coliseum Arena on Sunday night when a middle-aged fan approached the stage with a bouquet of purple flowers.

"Thank you," said the 72-year-old legend, kneeling down to offer the woman his yellow pocket kerchief in exchange for the bouquet. She clutched it to her bosom and moaned audibly.

And while the woman was still swooning, two more fans planted two fifths of bourbon at the singer's feet.

"Jack Daniel's, I hope," Sinatra muttered appreciatively before launching into an upbeat rendition of "Mack the Knife."

And so it went throughout much of the opening concert of the 29-city, 40-concert tour of Sinatra and his two compadres, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin: Romance and booze. Booze and romance.

The collective libido of the three original Rat Packers has mellowed with age. This "Together Again" tour, which will touch down July 7-10 at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, is already being touted as their last. But they demonstrated resoundingly for 2 hours and 10 minutes Sunday night that their defiant lust for life has not totally faded with the years.

Three months after having a hip replaced, Davis was dancing to "The Girl From Ipanema" and offering up a Michael Jackson impression during his "Mister Bojangles" solo.

Less than a year after intestinal surgery, Sinatra brought the crowd to its feet repeatedly with such standards as "The Gal That Got Away," "I've Got the World on a String" and "Maybe This Time."

When he introduced "New York, New York" as "the national anthem," graying women and their balding spouses were flailing their arms as though it were 1940 all over again, shouting "Frankie! Frankie!"

Of the trio, only Martin showed any detectable loss of vitality. During his opening half-hour solo turn, a surly segment of the crowd near the top of the stands shouted, "We can't hear you!" as Martin limped through "Everybody Loves Somebody." His venerable "happy drunk" persona fell flat with the audience when he actually did seem to forget the words to "Where or When" and "Welcome to My World."

"Every time you drink it rains bourbon from heaven," he warbled to the strains of "Pennies From Heaven." Then, tossing a lit cigarette butt into the crowd that had paid $40 apiece to see the show, he fell back into a makeshift refrain from "Everybody Loves Somebody":

"If I had you in my shower. . . ."

The stiff, 70-year-old crooner did take the opportunity to win back the audience with "That's Amore."

For his half-hour solo turn, Davis departed from the de rigeur tuxedo and bow tie worn by everyone from the ushers to the 35-piece Billy May Orchestra. The singer-dancer appeared in a black silk shirt with a white hibiscus print and later draped himself with chains and jewelry sitting atop the upright Baldwin at stage left.

"I had this shirt made from one of Tom Selleck's sleeves," quipped the 62-year-old Davis.

Like Martin, Davis sipped repeatedly from a plastic cocktail glass that he carried on stage with him, but carefully pointed out after a gutsy rendering of "I'm Not Going" that the glass contained nothing more potent than strawberry soda pop.

"I've had three years of sobriety," he boasted to the cheering crowd.

Sinatra is heavier and slower than he was 50 years ago when he debuted in Oakland with the Harry James Orchestra, but he left no doubt that he is still very much a ladies' man. With 10 violins carrying him through the chorus, the head of the clan pleaded the loving lyrics to "This Is All I Ask":

"Beautiful girls walk a little slower when you walk by me, sunsets stay a little longer. . . ."

Martin and Davis joined Sinatra on stage for the final 20 minutes, offering their buddy a woolen shawl for his shoulders and a "golden age" cocktail to drink.

"It's made out of Geritol and prune juice," said Martin. "It gets you going and keeps you going."

The medley of hits the three stumbled through gave the arena the air of a true Vegas lounge act.

Martin continuously checked his watch to see how much longer they had to remain on stage while Davis boogied around singing "Hava Nagila." Sinatra, showing the immense patience of an older brother, pulled the final moments together by coaxing his pals into a lusty tribute to "the oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York.

--

  UPI ARCHIVES MARCH 14, 1988
'Rat Pack' reunites for nostalgic tour
By JOHN M. LEIGHTY

OAKLAND, Calif. -- 'Rat Pack' cronies Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin kicked off a nostalgic 29-city reunion concert tour in characteristic style -- crooning and clowning.

Sinatra, 72, Martin, 70, and Davis, 62, the hottest, wildest bunch in show business in their heydey, each received standing ovations as they took the stage Sunday night in the debut of their 'Together Again National Concert Tour

An adoring sold-out Oakland Coliseum Arena crowd of 15,000 is expected to be followed by other packed houses along their 40-performance tour that will reportedly net $500,000 a night. They open next in Vancouver B.C., March 15.

Tickets went for $30 and $40. Souvenir programs sold briskly at $10 each.

The three veteran performers -- backed by a 35-piece orchestra - sang their favorite songs separately, then took the stage together for a well-received finale of jokes, good-natured ribbing and medleys.

The three first appeared together 28 years ago at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.

When Martin and Davis joined Sinatra for the close of the 2 -hour show, Davis told Sinatra he brought him a 'Golden Age Cocktail' made of Geritol and prune juice. 'It gets you going and keeps you going,' the 'youngster' of the trio said.

Davis also told Sinatra, 'You're still chairman of the board,' a reference to Sinatra's leadership in their old 'Hollywood Rat Pack,' a loosely organized group that included Humphrey Bogart, Peter Lawford, Shirley MacLaine, Joey Bishop, Tony Curtis and Sammy Cahn.

'I'm still chairman and we're still bored,' Sinatra joked.

Their fans, bedecked in gold chains and a smattering of minks and diamonds, would have none of that.

'The songs they played 20 years ago are still good now,' said Millie Jasmin of Alameda, who laughingly gave her age as 39. 'I know I get chills. I may even cry.'

Martin opened the show and did most of the clowning around, heavy with booze gags.

As he climbed onstage with a slow, tipsy motion, took a sip from his cocktail glass, he looked at the audience and in a slurred tone asked: 'How long have I been on?'

The joke brought down the house.

He then sang a series of spoofs like 'When You're Drinking' and 'Bourbon from Heaven.'

But people began yelling 'louder, louder' after Martin's song selections turned serious and his voice could not carry to the top of the Coliseum.

Davis said he hadn't been so nervous in 54 years of show business but provided some of the show's strongest singing with tunes like, 'I've Gotta Be Me' and doing a few dance steps, although he limped slightly.

Sinatra sang 10 tunes starting with 'Got the World on a String,' and ending with what he called his national anthem, 'New York, New York.' In between, the crooner known as Ol' Blue Eyes sang romantic oldies and belted out an enthusiastic 'Mack the Knife' to loud applause.

The tour also goes to Seattle, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and several other stops before playing New York's Radio City Music Hall May 6-9. The tour plays Los Angeles July 7-10 before taking a break. It cranks up again Sept. 17 in Houston before going east to play in 11 more cities.

Emacs!

© 1997-2024 The Sinatra Archive
This calendar, or any parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any fashion
whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher (The
Sinatra Archive)

Follow-Ups:
- [sinatraphiles] Re: March 13 - THIS DATE IN SINATRA HISTORY
  - From: Ed O'Brien

[sinatraphiles] March 13 - THIS DATE IN SINATRA HISTORY

Other related posts: