I was working on a Hospice unit and one of my residents who had been unresponsive for several days was listening to "New York" I noticed he was snapping his fingers to the music. Just another miracle witnessed and through the healing power of Sinatra.

I never thought of Sinatra as Just a singer. To me he was a musical interpeter of emotions. No one could evoke in me the same feelings when he sang such songs as " A Cottage for Sale" or "When No One Cares", The list is endless.
What is most impressive to me about Sinatra has always been his ability to overcome his physical handicaps. From his being stillborn on Dec. 12, 1915, to the way his grandmother had enough sense to pour cold water on the baby to shock it to life. He was such a big baby that the midwife delivering him had to use forecepts to get the baby out of the mother and in doing so punctured Frank's right eardrum and mangling his right ear.(Just look at any picture of him from an earlier time and you will see the scars on either side of his face and how different his right ear was from his left.)
Another handicap he had to overcome was when, I believe it was in 1952, his vocal cords shattered as he was trying to sing and all that came out of his mouth was blood.I'm positive that the doctors probably told him not to try and sing any more but you know Frank, nothing could stop him from doing things his way. The people who did not know what happened to him chalked up his different voice as "maturing". Little did they know.
His mastery in a recording studio is legend.His ability to do a sound mix before there was the type of audio mixing boards we have now was just incredable. He had instant respect from the musicians, the arrangers and even the engineers on every recording session.
He outlived all of his friends (except Joey Bishop)even though he was a big drinker and smoker.
I saw him twice. Once in 1974 at the Nassau Coliseum and then in 1975 at the Uris theater with Count Basie and Ella fitzgerald.What a concert that was!
I have 100 albums and just about all the specials he did on t.v. from 1965 to 1994, and I will never get tired of playing them. His music has become to me a never ending source of happiness and enjoyment that I could never get from anyone else.

I never thought of Sinatra as Just a singer. To me he was a musical interpeter of emotions. No one could evoke in me the same feelings when he sang such songs as " A Cottage for Sale" or "When No One Cares", The list is endless.
What is most impressive to me about Sinatra has always been his ability to overcome his physical handicaps. From his being stillborn on Dec. 12, 1915, to the way his grandmother had enough sense to pour cold water on the baby to shock it to life. He was such a big baby that the midwife delivering him had to use forecepts to get the baby out of the mother and in doing so punctured Frank's right eardrum and mangling his right ear.(Just look at any picture of him from an earlier time and you will see the scars on either side of his face and how different his right ear was from his left.)
Another handicap he had to overcome was when, I believe it was in 1952, his vocal cords shattered as he was trying to sing and all that came out of his mouth was blood.I'm positive that the doctors probably told him not to try and sing any more but you know Frank, nothing could stop him from doing things his way. The people who did not know what happened to him chalked up his different voice as "maturing". Little did they know.
His mastery in a recording studio is legend.His ability to do a sound mix before there was the type of audio mixing boards we have now was just incredable. He had instant respect from the musicians, the arrangers and even the engineers on every recording session.
He outlived all of his friends (except Joey Bishop)even though he was a big drinker and smoker.
I saw him twice. Once in 1974 at the Nassau Coliseum and then in 1975 at the Uris theater with Count Basie and Ella fitzgerald.What a concert that was!
I have 100 albums and just about all the specials he did on t.v. from 1965 to 1994, and I will never get tired of playing them. His music has become to me a never ending source of happiness and enjoyment that I could never get from anyone else.

Well, all i wanted to say has been said. I have read all the tributes to him on this web site. I am 68 and have been a fan all my adult life. He is there for me every sunday on the "Sid Marks " show. Having most of his albums and records I listen to him most every day. He was simply the best.

In 1946 my husband and I were dating. He lived in NY, I lived in NJ. Every weekend he would come to NJ to visit me. The last train back to NY was 11:00 Sunday night. When it was time for him to leave it was very hard for us to let go of each other, just one more hug, just one more kiss, just "Five Minutes More" by Frank Sinatra became our theme song.

I was just a kid in north minneapolis in a lower mid/class family. We had a stereo council in the living room loaded with my dad's records. He would play all types of music but the stuff that brings back the most memories is the lounge music like dino and Mr. Sinatra. I started listening again to it when a local radio station started playing alot of that music. It brought back a lot of memories. I started bringing Frank's C.D.'s to work for wolk in music and to listen to them when setting up and tearing down shows. I got a friend at work hooked on Mr. Sinatra and he was played alot. My friend liked Frank so much that he brought a C.D. of his to a party. They looked at him weird and said "who is that!!!". My friend even played "Summer Breeze" at his dad's funeral for a dedication to his dad. When Mr. Sinatra passed away we were both bummed out. Miss you Mr. Sinatra.
P.S. Not sure how he did it, smoking like he did and sounding so good. His death was an end of an era but we are still listening.

I was just a kid in north minneapolis in a lower mid/class family. We had a stereo council in the living room loaded with my dad's records. He would play all types of music but the stuff that brings back the most memories is the lounge music like dino and Mr. Sinatra. I started listening again to it when a local radio station started playing alot of that music. It brought back a lot of memories. I started bringing Frank's C.D.'s to work for wolk in music and to listen to them when setting up and tearing down shows. I got a friend at work hooked on Mr. Sinatra and he was played alot. My friend liked Frank so much that he brought a C.D. of his to a party. they looked at him weird and said "who is that!!!". My friend even played "Summer Breeze" at his dad's funeral for a dedication to his dad. When Mr. Sinatra passed away we were both bummed out. Miss you Mr. Sinatra.
P.S. Not sure how he did it, smoking like he did and sounding so good. His death was an end of an era but we are still listening.

around 1945-47 i'm this white kid growing up in a working class neighborhood in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, NY. we had a diverse group of folks living side by side in the apartment buildings and my friends and i would play punch ball and stick ball with a team that looked like the one future major league baseball teams would have. and yes we had and i heard all kinds of negative predjuices towards "them". i always felt within it was bad. but these were my neighbors/family/friends who were saying these things and then one day i go to the movies and on the big screen there is Frank Sinatra singing "the house I live in" and it all made sense for me then and the 60 plus years since. Frank was the best then and still when we listen to his music for the positive message of the man.

around 1945-47 i'm this white kid growing up in a working class neighborhood in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn, NY. we had a diverse group of folks living side by side in the apartment buildings and my friends and i would play punch ball and stick ball with a team that looked like the one future major league baseball teams would have. and yes we had and i heard all kinds of negative predjuices towards "them". i always felt within it was bad. but these were my neighbors/family/friends who were saying these things and then one day i go to the movies and on the big screen there is Frank Sinatra singing "the house I live in" and it all made sense for me then and the 60 plus years since. Frank was the best then and still when we listen to his music for the positive message of the man.

As a child during WWII I was fortunate to have a Mother who exposed me to Big Band Music so I have come to appreciate that era more than the 50's as a teen. Frank was always a favorite and today I have over 100 recordings of his. Some still in 33 1/3 others in cd's book sets, etc. I continue to listen to his renderings especially when I am on a road trip. As an emotional person, some of his songs set me off and my wife thinks I an old romantic. (NICE). One special episode of memories of Frank was as a teen in 1954/5 we were allowed to go to the Jockey Club near Atlantic City after a prom. Icannot quite remember the dates but as we were sipping cherry cokes, the band stopped playing and Frank appeared on stage as a walk-on. I cannot remember what he sang but I do remember being completely mesmerized. Still am today. With all his scars, he still represents a great period of my life both then and now

LOVE FRANK SINATRA'S MUSIC - Did not appreciate him as a kid, but when I got to my mid 20's, his voice, and lyrics to his music were all so meaningful. Now every chance I get On Sat. nites on WPLM-FM, 99.1 on the dial, (from 7 to midnight) I listen to RON DeLaChiasa, probably one of Frank's most loyal fans, and most knowledgable about his career and music renditions. Wish he were still with us, but I know his music will live on for many generations. Thank you LORD for giving us FRANK SINATRA.

It was a blessing to grow up in a house where my mother always played music, rather than have the television blaring all day. Her love of Frank Sinatra was apparent, as she would play his albums until they were worn out. During the 50's, 60's and 70's until her death in 1978, I learned every word, to every song and have my own Sinatra CD collection today. Every time I hear him sing I go instanty back to my childhood and mom, when life was a little less complicated and more innocent. Thank you Frank for all the great music, memories, and wonderful enjoyment you have given so many.

I was born into an Italian American family in 1945 and I grew up in the south Bronx listening to Frank Sinatra. My mother was a big fan and played the old 78s on our record player while we cleaned house on Saturday mornings. Sunday morning after coming home from church I could hear his music as I entered our apartment builing and we lived on the third floor! I know the lyrics to many of his songs and listen to a local radio station that plays Sinatra and other artists from his era. Although I'm a rock n' roll fan, nothing beats listening to Sinatra sing. He was always cool and still is.

I remember Frank Sinatra when I was a teen,and he was so thin. His voice never changed during his aging. Love his music;love the man--a big part in my life even at my age of 77. I wonder if he singing up in heaven. Enjoyed reading the article in the Sunday paper--like reading about an old friend.

I was a radioman on a U.S. Navy ship in World War II during the height of the pacific war. Frank's music on the Voice Of America made the uncertain days a little more bearable for me and many others.

Mr. Sinatra affected me by initiating me into the world of SINGING! I use emphasis because ever since I began to sing along with Sinatra's music, I get this big adrenaline rush. Then karaoke came along! The first song I tried was New York, New York, and magically, I was on stage with a band behind me, and I just closed my eyes and went with the feeling, never missing a word. As an historian, I love reading about Mr. Sinatra and his impact on society. I highly recommend "Why Sinatra Matters," by Pete Hamill, a great little read with some excellent historical insight. My latest thrill involving Mr. Sinatra's music was here in Wyoming at our local Air Force Base. I entered a "idol" type competition, just for kicks, and got to do "Luck be a Lady," my favorite Sinatra tune. It came off beautifully, and another performer told me "you've really got that Sinatra music down."
Take me now Lord Jesus, there's no higher praise I can receive down here! ;0)

He wasn't big in physical size. He wasn't educated in the halls of education; but it would be fair to say he conquered the world with his voice and his determination. He wouldn't back down from a fight. He was the real life Rocky. His music wafted through our house when I was growing up. My mother would wax poetic whenever she heard him. My dad told us of his appearance at the Paramount Theater; and how he couldn't hear him above the din of the bobbysoxers.As an amatuer singer he has chosen My Way as his signature closing song.It always gets the longest applause.
His style is unmistakeable. Locally I could listen to Friday night with Frank and Sunday with Sinatra, and you can bet i was listening. He is the reason my favorite music is Standards. He made the songs his own and took them to another level.Sinatra and Streisand.second to none.
I also share his birthday; albeit 37 years later.
He reflects a less chaotic time for me, a way to just sit back and relax, and listen forever...

I attended high school in a Philadelphia suburb in l945-46. At lunch time we were allowed to go outside the building but not off the school property. When Frank Sinatra was appearing in Philadelphia we would wander around the football field and behind the bleachers, walk one block and get on the PTC "B" bus and travel to Frankfurt, get on the elevated and then subway to Eighth Street, walk one block back to Chestnut Street to the Earle Theater. We did this so often that during one matinee show a man came down the dark aisle of the theater, showed a flash-light in our faces and said, "You, out in the lobby and wait for me." It was our principal, Mr. Thomas. When he had gathered us all together he told us to be in his office the next morning at 8 a.m. At that time he had each of us call our parents and tell them what we did. We would have done anything to see Frank Sinatra in concert with the big band.
Fortunately, much later in life I was able to attend a concert at the Spectrum in Philadelphia where Frank, Sammy Davis, and Lisa Minelli were appearing. Dean Martin was orginally scheduled to appear also but was ill by that time.
Sure do miss Old Blue Eyes.

I have been a fan of Mr. sinatra Sr. since
I was 12 years. At the age of 76, I have a collection of his many books and recordings. I also belong to a very special forum created by Nancy Sinatra Jr. so she could give his fans together. At this time we are very excited that his stamp will be out shortly. Mr. S. was and is a terrific entertainer, actor, but more than that gave so much of his time and money to charitable causes and people that were in need. Thank you for the great article posted last week. His fans and family arehoping for a statue to be placed in Times square honoring this well deserved entertainter. Sincerely, Lee

What's not to like, the "baby blues" , the soultry voice, the good looks, the charming personality! My heritage background is Italian, I grew up listening every Sunday to good ole Frank playing on the record player during our traditional Sunday meals. Afterwards my father would pick us up and dance around with his yongest children. Now some 30 years later I reminisce by dancing and singing to Sinatra's tunes w/ my two children and we LOVE it!

AS THE COMPOSER AND LYRICIST OF "IT WAS A VERY GOOD YEAR," IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT A SINGER WITH THE GENIUS OF FRANK SINATRA CAME ALONG TO INTERPRET MY BALLAD. HIS ACTING ABILITY WAS EVERY BIT AS FORMIDABLE AS WAS HIS SINGING. THEREFORE, HE INHABITED A SONG AND GAVE THE WORDS AS GREAT AN IMPORT AS LAWRENCE OLIVIER GAVE THOSE OF SHAKESPEARE. HE AND THAT SONG OF MINE WERE ONE - ABSOLUTELY INDIVISIBLE.
ERVIN DRAKE

He's a true legend. As far as his music, he didn't just sing it, he lived it. And he said it and sang it, for everyone else who had, in a way that no one else could.

Growing up in a household with an Italian mother guaranteed my introduction to the music and words of Frank Sinatra. Frank's albums were played so often in our home that to this day I know many of his songs by heart. As a teenager in the 70's I would not only blast my current rock and roll album on the stereo, but would often include "old blue eyes" in the mix. Because of my mother's passion for Sinatra I have learned to appreciate music that is classic and timeless. To this day Frank Sinatra's songs are often included in the CD shuffle. When I hear his music my mother is once again singing with me.

I hope this will be posted into Frank Sinatra's website.

I read the well written article in USA today and had to respond. From the very 1st time I heard his music, I thought, man this guy sings with real feelings that are so very deep. From that moment on I have only listen to his music, only his.

I finally had the opportunity to see him at the Circle Star, in San Carlos, CA with my wife (girlfriend at the time) and she told me to go shake his hand, as we were very near the isle. His bodyguards almost didn't let me, until I said, "Hey Psian", he looked up, and saw that I too was an Italian, and smiled and actually shook my hand. I told him then, that his music will live forever.

Guess I was right, after reading this article, I'm not the only one that loved the man and his music. He will always be MY IDOL...

Ben Fiorentino
Auburn,m CA

It was the summer of 1943 and I was 15 or 16 years old. One day I went with my best friend Louie to his brother's bar in the old neighborhood to play cards. Louie pulls out a record of Frank's and tells me to listen to this new guy. After hearing People Will Say We Are in Love, my lifelong and almost fanatical love of his voice and music was born

I can connect every monumental event in my life with one of Frank's songs. When I first met my wife Jackie, she had just graduated from nursing school. "My Heart Stood Still", "It Had to be You" and "Night and Day" are the songs I think of during our 3 years of dating.

Frank's songs played through out our wedding reception including "I Could Have Danced All Night, Embraceable You and The Best is Yet to Come. Louie was my best man.

We had 5 children and those were Very Good Years. Our kids grew up listening to Frank Sinatra and each one has a favorite whether it is Summerwind, One More for the Road or Come Fly with Me, they know the words to all of the hits.

As my 7 grandchildren were born I sang and twirled them around to "I've Got a Crush on you Sweetie Pie" with Frank blaring in the background and now our grandchildren have Frank's music on their iPod right nestled right next to Coldplay, U2 and Dave Matthews.

One year in the 70's our kids suprised us tickets to See Frank, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie at Radio City Music Hall. It was a concert like no other. This was just before my youngest son Tommy Jon at the age of 15 started a losing battle against Ewing's Sarcoma. That NY City weekend was a brief moment of happiness in a year of anquish. Even after my son's death, I felt comfort and solace listening to Frank's songs. Frank wore his heart on his sleeve like no other.

At every family party or wedding when New York, New York is played, this 81 year old is the life of the party encircled by family and friends belting it out with a bravado that would make Frank proud.

Several years ago my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. As time went one, Jackie started speaking less until finally she would not speak at all. I missed her voice but when I put on Frank's songs, she would as if by magic or miracle, start to sing.

Jackie died in 2005 again I found comfort in listening to his music.

Through out the years, I have collected his records, movies, albums and books. He has given me wonderful memories and he helped me carry on through difficult moments.

I have been a fan for 65 years and counting. When I get to the Pearly Gates, my kids are taking bets on who is the first person I will see- Tommy, Jackie, my mother or Frank. My kids say the smart money is on Frank.

Tom Marcussi
Pittsford, NY 14534

About two days after Frank Sinatra's death, I found an old 8-track tape of his music. One of the songs was, "I did it my Way". As the tape came to the end, it broke, never to be played again.

My dad thought Frank Sinatra was the greatest and he believed that because of the pleasure he brought to all who listened to him he was entitled to his so called "abusive or abrasive" behavior.

My dad has been dead for over 40 years, but as I grew up listening with him to all the jazz greats, whenever I listen to Frank today I feel like my dad and I are still sharing.

Frank still brings much pleasure to all those who listen to him, what an amazing legacy

I am 45 years old and probalby a little young to be a Sinatra fan. One of my fondest memory growing up involved Frank. My family has a cottage on Lake Ontario and as a teenager, my sisters and I thought we were pretty cool driving our boat around the lake. Except that we had an eight track player in the boat and my Mother insisted we play Frank's greatest hits. (She paid for the boat)Winchester Cathedral, Fly Me to the Moon and New York, New york would be blaring across the lake. We decided to make the most of it and would sing the songs at the top of our lungs. Soon we were Frank Sinatra fans- cool or not. My Parents have passed away and everytime I hear Frank I think of them and smile. Hopefully they are drinking Manhattans and singing with Sinatra above!!!!!!

While dating, my husband was shy about dancing; not so when "Strangers In the Night" played on any jukebox. Then he'd say, "Can I have this dance?" It became our song. For one of my sons, "New York New York" became his mantra--and he was a hit doing his Sinatra gigs with this song in talent shows and school functions.

My mother loved Sinatra & I enjoyed listening to this man's wonderful voice fill our home with heartfelt songs. I remember as a child, how I'd gently pick up the stereo needle to play back lyrics that I hadn't yet learned. When all the grade school children listened to pop, I was in love with Sinatra! He had touched my heart at a very young age & it was as if the songs were meant for me. I new all his albums! My brother & I sang duets to such songs as, The Summer Wind, I've Got You Under My Skin, In the Wee Small Hours etc.
During my college years, I accidentally met Sinatra in Palm Springs. He gave me an autographed picture, a lighter with his name engraved & a medallion with his faced embossed in it. He was the kindest man I had ever met!
When he went home, I flew from San Jose to So. California & stood across the street of the Good Shepherd Church to pay my respects to a great man & artist. As I expressed to Channel 7 during the funeral, he is now the Chairman of the Heavens!

I loved the man and his music. I felt like he was family. His music was a big part of my life growing up in New Jersey. Nancy, Tina, Frank Jr. your Dad was the best. I listen to his station on Sirius Radio, it brings back alot of wonderful memories. Thank You, Cathy a fan for life.

I was introduced to the music of Frank Sinatra quite by accident. In 1968, when I was thirteen years old I found a stack of old 78RPM records. I brought them home and played some of them on my father’s turntable. One of those records was Frank Sinatra singing ‘Nancy with the Laughing Face’ (1944). Well… I fell in love. The popular music of my era was Rock and Roll ie: The Animals, The Turtles, The Byrds. But here was a song with a beautiful melody (Jimmy Van Heusen), sentimental lyrics (Phil Silvers), lush orchestration (Axel Stordahl), and a voice that brought it all together, Frank Sinatra’s. And oh , what a voice! I played that record thirty times that day, neighbors claim forty, my parents estimate fifty. I looked through the pile of records for other recordings by this to me, newly discovered singer, Frank Sinatra. ‘ Polkadots and Moonbeams’, ‘Oh Look at Me Now’, ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’, ‘Everything Happens to Me’. A gold mine.

I asked my father (a devout Bing Crosby fan) about Frank Sinatra. “He’ll never make it” he told me, I not realizing that he was pulling my leg. For decades we would argue who had a better voice and who could put a song over better (listen to Bing’s version and Frank’s version of ‘How Deep is the Ocean’ and you tell me- both beautiful, but Sinatra’s version gets to the heart of the matter).

So, now a quest. There was a whole body of work that was unknown to me. I was buying up albums- Only the Lonely, Close to You, Come Fly With Me, Come Dance With Me- who knew Frank could swing? Everybody but me. I knew who I was going to spend my Bar Mitzvah money on- an Italian from Hoboken.

It also introduced me to the greatest song writers and lyricists of the American Popular Songbook: Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Jerome Kern, The Gershwins, Johnny Mercer, Cahn and Van Heusen, as well as arrangers like Axel Stordahl, Nelson Riddle, and Billy May.

I got to see Frank perform live at Forest Hills, NY, Madison Square Garden, and at The Sands in Atlantic City (first row from the stage- yes, his eyes are blue). I even spent over an hour with ‘Ol Blue Eyes in person. In 1981, while working in a hospital in NYC, I was told there was a person admitted who was a songwriter, James Van Heusen. We became fast friends. After work each day or on lunch break (sneaking Jimmy a Kosher corned beef sandwich) I would visit him in his private hospital room and we would talk music- melodies, lyrics, arrangers and performers. Needless to say Frank’s name came up often. He told me some wonderful stories about him and Frank. Some I have since read elsewhere, others so outrageous I could not repeat them in print. What a life!

I went up to Jimmy’s hospital room after work one evening and the door to his room was closed. Unusual, in that Jimmy loved to talk to everyone who would wander by. I put my ear to the door and I heard Frank’s voice. After all those countless hours of listening to Frank’s albums and bootleg copies of his concerts where he would always have a monologue, I could recognize his speaking voice. I walked away not wanting to interrupt Frank visiting a sick friend. I then thought better of it. I would never have this opportunity again. I knocked on the door, walked in and feigned surprise. Jimmy introduced me to Barbara, Jilly, and The Chairman of the Board. I then sat there for the next hour and twenty minutes in awe, listening to two old buddies reminisce. I was in heaven. Then Frank turned to me and asked, I assume jokingly, if I could get some Chivas Regal into Jimmy’s I.V. I promised Frank I would work on it. Frank had to leave as he was catching his plane to fly to South Africa for a series of concerts. They called a limo to take me home to Queens, NY. Along with my wedding and the birth of my two sons, I think that was one of the most joyous and memorable days of my life.

When Frank passed away ten years ago on May 14, 1998, the telecommunications department of the hospital was inundated with phone calls to me from my friends and relatives expressing their condolences. After all, he was family.

To this day I don’t go on business trips or family vacations without bringing Frank along. No longer on 78RPMs, but on CDs and iPods. I don’t often disagree with my father, but Dad, I think he’ll make it.

Steven Saunders
Jericho, NY
Saunders@nychhc.org

In 1944 during World War II, I was in boot camp at Sampson Naval Base in upstate New York when some of my fellow-recruits and I began talking about our favorite singers. There was some difference of opinion, so we decided to take a poll of our 120 man company. Not surprisingly, Frank Sinatra won quite handily, and I was chosen to write him a letter to tell him that he was indeed our favorite. I wrote and sent the letter informing him that he had been chosen #1, even though I had personally voted for someone else! Also, being somewhat artistic, I sent along a cartoon I drew of him singing while “bobby-soxers” swooned. A couple of weeks later, we received a photo which he autographed - “Best Wishes to the Boys in Co.383, Sincerely, Frank Sinatra.”

I have that photo to this day, but, more importantly, I grew to appreciate his artistry, and his work has given me countless hours of enjoyment over the years. He was unique, and his work helped to define the feelings of so many Americans.

So, “The Voice” as he was called then, was kind and thoughtful enough to send his photo and a note to a bunch of boys in the Navy - and today, I fondly remember that special time - more than sixty years ago!

I've been a Sinatra fan since I was a young girl. My mother's sister was one of the "bobby-soxers" that "swooned" over a young Frank. I can't remember when Frank Sinatra's music was not played in our home. Later, as a young adult, my stepfather loved Sinatra's music. One of the memories I like to recall is taking he and my mother to see Frank in concert at the Universal Amphitheater in California during the late '60s. What an experience that was! When my stepfather passed away in the '90s, there was unanimous agreement that the song to be played at his services would be "My Way" - it described him to a tee (as well as Mr. Sinatra).

In the late spring of l944, I had just finished boot camp at Hunter College and was waiting to get my next assignment. We were told that Frank Sinatra would give two concerts if anyone was in-terested and of course we were. We were informed to wear our dress blue uniforms which included our wear white gloves. We marched to the theater and listened to the concert and when it was over, we applauded and then marched back to our living quaarters. The second concert went about the same. A week later we learned that Mr Sinatra asked the Captain if we enjoyed the concerts and the Captain assured him we did.
Then the Captain was asked why our applause wasn't very loud. The Captain thought a minute and then remembered our wearing our dress blue uniform complete with gloves that we couldn't remove. We will never know if the Captain was believed or not, but we had a good time.

Reading the article about Frank brought back so many memories. We go back a long way. My first memories take place in the small kitchen in the house I grew up in on Long Island. The radio is playing rock and roll music while I ” twisted” around the kitchen attempting to make dinner while talking to my friend, Margie, who I had been with all day and lives just a few feet away from our house. I guess I could multi-task better at 12 years old than now. Whoops! Dad’s coming home! I recognize the headlights coming up the driveway. That’s my cue. Radio station changed to Sinatra station and hang up the phone. He didn’t insist that I did these things, but I knew that he liked that I did.
Frank’s voice filled the room. My brother and I knew all the words to Frank’s songs. Who couldn’t help dancing when it came time for all of us to do the dishes? My Dad taught us all the moves, lindy and even some jitterbug. We got pretty good. At weddings, my Dad, brother and I stole the show. – At least I thought so. My brother and I even danced together at high school dances and teen centers. –Just one or two dances. Our dates were a little confused by this.
I had two occasions to meet Sinatra. During the summers of my college years, I was a cocktail waitress at Jones Beach Marine Theatre. He was seated, of course, at the head table, and that was my station. I remember that he ordered a scotch and milk. Ugh! There were other stars as well at that table. They all started waving their hands in the air shouting out their drink choice. Finally I gave them all the “Look”. They calmed down and waited for their turn. Who would have ever guessed that “Look” would have been used a million times during my 30 year teaching career in Penfield, NY. Frank had yet another affect on my teaching career. One that some of my sixth grade students may never forget. Here’s how Frank helped my students become more responsible. Well, at least for getting their homework in on time. Here’s how the deal went. When I had a student that did not hand their homework in three times, I asked them to come into the hall for a meeting with me. I managed to grab the phone by the door to help cinch this deal. I reviewed the situation with the student. As the student called home, I stood beside them. They spoke very softly as I listened … It went something like this: “Hello, Mom?” I’m staying after school with Mrs. Hauck. No, not exactly for extra help. (I cue him) I didn’t do my homework. (Cue again with 3 fingers up) – three times, he continued.’ (Cue again) and I’ll be listening to Frank Sinatra.” It was pretty much consistent. I could here the parent laughing – softly. I reached for the phone and arrangements were made. Almost always, the plan was, “Tell him to take the dreaded late bus. I’m not picking him up and - thanks.” That’s the rule – Three times of missed HW and you’re out! Then came the really big clincher – with this added consequence they would definitely, always, have their HW completed on time! Here it is. While the student stayed after school with me, they were tortured by having to listen to Frank Sinatra tapes for at least 45 minutes or until the late bus came. I often sang along – adding salt to the wound. It was a long 45 minutes for them. For me? Shear bliss. I never had a repeater. Thanks again, Frank.
The last time I saw Frank, it actually was his last performance. My daughter, Amy got us tickets to see Frank Sinatra perform in Syracuse. He looked like a dot on the stage. I have a picture of that dot. His voice was not as strong, but all of the wonderful memories came, once again, flooding back. He was still Frank Sinatra. He always will be.

I remember hearing my mother sing "Sinatra" songs to me when I was very young. She loved him. She thought my dad looked like him when he was young! When my daughter & son were growing up, I sang his songs to them. One Christmas, I gave my mom a collector plate with Frank Sinatra painted on it. You would have thought I gave her a diamond ring! She had it on her fireplace mantel. My mom died about 9 months ago. Now the plate is in my china cabinet.

Your article On Frank reminded me of the effect he had on my growing years. I'm 72 and a Jersey born American Italian, proud of my heritage and love of music. Listening to Frank sing and pronounce the lyrics helped me rid myself of Jersey slang and improve my diction. This has been a great help in my career and comunication skills not to mention the enjoyment of the best music of our century. I have all of his CD's, and miss seeing him on the screen but, his voice is with me when ever I feel the need for his music.

How ironic that this coming Mother's day this article appears before us. Where do we begin about Mr. Sinatra other than that our Mom had to be one of his A Numero Uno fans! Many of the old time Italians have had shrines for their saints but our Mom had one for Mr. Sinatra, candles and all!! She must have had most every recording 78's,albums & CD's!! When she passed, we've sent all her family, extended families and friends each a different Sinatra CD along with our acknowledgement cards. The response was overwhelming in appreciation! Even if some were not particular fans, they all related to many of the songs featured on his albums!! Mom & Mr. Sinatra would have been very proud!!

My sister and I would banter about the pros and cons of Frank and Bing at many a mealtime. As a teenager, Sinatra's music accompanied many a memorable prom. I lost track of his accomplishments during years raising children while active in my community. His acting abilities, however were powerful. I rarely missed one of his movies. I loved his singing as his great voice matured touching my soul. Living in Connecticut, close to the Mohican Casino, I would pay the $100 dollars just to watch Sinatra's command of stage and audience at the Fox Theatre. What is this flag is abusive stuff?

As a kid in Jersey City NJ, I remember my mom talking about how 'Frankie' was related. He was married to mom's first cousin, Nancy Barbato! Anyhow, stories were that in the beginning, he would come to the 'neighborhood' and sing to whomever would listen...especially the ladies, both young and old. Through the years, I followed 'the man', even having the privilege of being captivated by him at 'Jilly's' one evening, with several of my close Italian American guy friends. (If you were there when Frank came in, you had to either stay there, or wait until he left). What a blast...what a man! While the stories about his supposed 'connections' made the headlines, there were many untold others about his generosity, especially to kids and senior citizens. While his obvious charisma and talents are legendary, I'll always remember THE Frank Sinatra...the MAN! There will never be another like him!

My sister and I would banter about the pros and cons of Frank and Bing at many a mealtime. As a teenager, Sinatra's music accompanied many a memorable prom. I lost track of his accomplishments during years raising children while active in my community. His acting abilities, however were powerful. I rarely missed one of his movies. I loved his singing as his great voice matured touching my soul. Living in Connecticut, close to the Mohican Casino, I would pay the $100 dollars just to watch Sinatra's command of stage and audience at the Fox Theatre.

It is hard for me to believe that Frank Sinatra has been dead for 10 years...I was born in 1929 and became a big fan of Sinatra when he exploded on the scene in the early 1940's...Nobody could sell a song like him...He truly was the"Music of My Life"...I have two very valuable possessions.One is the 75 selections on 3 CD's of the Capitol Years which was released in 1990...most of the cuts featured Nelson Riddle who was a match made in heaven for Frank..That album was & is the very best.the other is a collection of every song that Frank recorded for Columbia..I told my wife that should I pass before her to only give them to a Sinatra fan as big as me..I miss you old Blue Eyes.

I am 86 years old and Frank Sinatra was a good part of my life.After his death I was inspired to write this poem:

To Frank Sinatra

You never knew me
never knew the feelings
you stirred in me
whenever you sang.
That voice...the lyrics...
sheer poetry that weakened
my body and soul as you told
of my pain,my loneliness,yet,
you never knew me.

You called me your funny valentine,
and we walked together among the
stars when you flew me to the moon.
The sun shone for us alone in a
foggy London town and in Chicago
you showed me around, still
you never knew me.

The playful sparkle in your
piercing blue eyes, and the jerk
of your shoulders when you sang
Mack the Knife, set my feet to
tapping and my heart to pounding.
You lit up my life, even though
you never knew me.

It didn't matter
how many women draped from
your arms like so many stoles or
how many hearts you broke...
you spoke to ME alone.
You REALLY knew me!

When I was in 7th grade I had to do a book report on someone famous...I went to the library and tried to find the thinnest book...It was titled "The Voice"...I read the book, wrote the report and became so impressed that I bought all his records, watched all his movies and read many more books about him. The first time I saw him was in Buffalo, N.Y., I nearly fainted when he first walked onto the stage...Saw him four times after that..I always said, I wish I could be in a room and have him sing only to me...I will never forget Frank Sinatra.

Sinatra was 18 older than I.Whan I was 12 my cousin, Carlo, was a Sinatra fan. I at that time was a Crosby admirer, so we'd go back and forth as to who was the better singer, performer, etc. Through the years Sinatra sang songs with heart, that were important to me for one reason or another. and, those songs, to this day, touch me deeply for the memories that they invoke for a past long since gone. Today I still enjoy the music of Crosby, but the heart felt poignant words of Sinatra can not be dismissed, and so the poetry goes on. As they say, now he belongs to the ages.

What Comes to mind is:

THE IDES OF MAY,
LESS TEN YEARS AND A DAY,
WILL PUT YOU IN THE
"FRANK SINATRA MY WAY"

I am now 82 years old and Sinatra's music and the man himself have inspired me since my high school days (graduation class of 6/44]. I cut class only one time during those years and that was to see him at the Chicago Theatre. In the '50's when I worked two blocks from said theatre, I used to time my lunch to his performance, eat a candy bar and call it lunch and run to see him on the stage. I had to sit or stand in the last row in the balcony because the other seats were occupied by people who kept them warm all day. From my spot he looked like a toothpick in a suit, but it did not matter. On the day he passed away I was walking past what we called Holden Court just south of the theatre. I stopped and looked up at the window where he used to make an appearance between gigs and just stopped and stared and remembered. When I got home was when I first heard the news of his passing. I received three phone calls from family and a friend to ask if I was all right. Of course I was not. I was in deep mourning and still am ten years later. His song "My Way" got me through a divorce 35 years ago. Now if I am happy one of his CD's is playing. If I am sad and feel like a good cry, again one of Sinatra's songs. I have his music and biographies close at hand in my home. When my children were Beatle fans and came home and heard his voice throughout the house, they used to comment "that's mommy's music" and it still is. I lost him, but I will never lose Frank Sinatra and his music as long as I can see and hear.

we are a family of Sinatra lovers. He was actually important to us all in many ways, and filled spaces that were difficult in our lives at various times. He was a true poet, and made the lyric writers' words mean what they meant to say. He made us look at life and hear sounds we may have otherwise missed. We honestly loved him, and keep his memory alive in his music. Thank you for honoring him. We will always be grateful for his God given talent, and the fact that we were able to see him perform a number of times. He made you cry even when he sang a lively song. He was beautiful to look at and hear. We hope the youth of today were able to enjoy him as we did, and we thank you for keeping him alive..

I first hear Frank Sinatra on the Tonight show, when he came out with coat over the shoulder and hat and sang A Foggy Day. I was 15 Years old and was big into rock and roll, but from that point I start collecting and listening. It hasn't changed in the last 53 years. After I retired from Corp America, I started a Moblie Disc Jockey business and I was able to bring his music to many others.
I learned most of his songs and love to sing with him and will continue until my last breathe.

AS SAID ABOVE BY ALL - SINATRA WAS THE ONE - THE TEARS COME WHEN HIS MUSIC PLAYS -THAT SAYS IT ALL !!!!!

My husband, Dave, and I have been married 52 years in July. The first special Sinatra song that we heard together was "You Make Me Feel So Young," which is more appropriate now! We danced and fell in love in 1956 to the album, "Songs for Swingin' Lovers." When our children came along, we played Frank's music all the time and they learned the words and sang along. Wonderful memories!
Connie Mulcahy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Frank Sinatra was "inviting" in every way for me and my sister Lucille (R.I.P.) who introduced me to his music at a very early age. Thank you sis for reciprocating by inviting Frank into our humble home; and thank you Mr. Francis Albert Sinatra for having a positive influence on her and on me. My humble home at the time was filled with and enriched by his music and my sister's love for him. And thank you Mr. Sinatra for your wonderful love affair with music that permeated in every word of every song you sang, Mitch Miller notwithstanding. When God made you, he made you in "one take" only, never to be duplicated. Here's to the winners! God Bless both of you.

My father loved Frank Sinatra's music. I knew the words to most of his songs as a teenager. Whenever I hear a Sinatra song I find myself singing along.