Hi, Paul,
I have just listened to your interview with Frank Sinatra, Jr. and must tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed your conversation with Mr. Sinatra.
I saw Frank Sinatra, Jr. at a famous supper club in Philadelphia, PALUMBO’S, in September of 1968. I was 18 years old and he, being six years my senior, 24. We were fortunate to sit ringside and he did a terrific show. I was impressed by the fact that he had some musicians that traveled with him and had as his conductor, trombonist, Larry O’Brien(who many years later became the leader of The Glenn Miller Band).
I had just started my first semester of my freshman year at Temple University’s College of Music, but I was already planning what I wanted to do after I got my degree. I then got the idea that if I had to travel, this seemed to be the way to do it, so Frank Sinatra, Jr. had a career effect on me as well as an entertainment one.
This man did not have an easy time, despite his name, career-wise. But he was, as you say and the interview shows, such a knowledgeable man about not only music but the business, also.
I agree totally with all that he says in this interview about the state of the music business today. I say this not as a platitude to you, him or because I appeared on your show, too, but because I have the same feelings Mr. Sinatra, Jr. expressed.
When he speaks about Bill Miller, he couldn’t be speaking about a finer pianist. I believe Mr. Miller’s talent was used in “Young at Heart,” when Frank Sinatra, Sr. plays piano. Such great technique and clean playing! I believe my own playing is of the “Bill Miller school” as opposed to another fine pianist, the “Dave Brubeck style.”
I particularly like the fact that, along with what is now called The Great American Songbook, he spoke of what are now very well known songs, but came out of the time when new songs were important. The “middle-of-the-road” category, that Barry Manilow was a part of, no longer exists.
I was aware of the many notable people whom you have interviewed. However, I must say this particular interview was immensely interesting to me. I have always felt honored to have done your show, but I am especially honored to have been on your program that has this interview to its credit.
I had friends who knew Frank Sinatra, Sr.’s secretary. They tried to contact her about my songs, “Maybe Someday” and “Saloon Song,” for Senior’s consideration. However, he was not on a label at that time (this was before “Duets” came out). Subsequently, they tried to get the songs to Frank, Jr., but nothing ever came out of it, to my regret on both counts.
I was not aware of how ill Frank Sinatra, Jr. was and it was a shock to me when I heard of his passing. I had heard him many times on Sid Mark’s “Sunday with Sinatra” radio program and I felt bad that it would never happen again.
I never had the opportunity to see Frank, Jr., in Atlantic City because we always worked the same nights. But friends of mine would go.
One night, between sets, i was told I had a phone call. No one ever called me anywhere I appeared, so I was concerned. I was told it was a girl. Then I got interested. However, it was the wife of the couple who would see Frank, Jr. in Atlantic City. She called to say her husband wanted to tell me something (he was driving and she cell-phoned me). He got on the line to tell me he had met Bill Miller that night. He couldn’t contain his enthusiasm and thought I was the only person who would appreciate that fact and how much it effected him. I understood completely.
But, as I said, I was surprised to hear of Frank, Jr.’s passing and I felt it was one less voice/advocate for the good music. He was multi-talented and I always found a kinship with him as a musician, conductor, songwriter and as a singer-entertainer. I cannot believe it has been four years since his passing and I can see why this interview is your favorite.
I believe I subscribe to his philosophy of being. Thank you for sharing it with all of us who listen and all of us who are professional musicians, singers and entertainers.
Thank you so much once again.
Best wishes,
John Primerano
