Product Description
Bestselling author James Kaplan redefines Frank Sinatra in a triumphant new biography that includes many rarely seen photographs.

Frank Sinatra was the best-known entertainer of the twenti­eth century—infinitely charismatic, lionized and notori­ous in equal measure. But despite his mammoth fame, Sinatra the man has remained an enigma. As Bob Spitz did with the Beatles, Tina Brown for Diana, and Peter Guralnick for Elvis, James Kaplan goes behind the legend and hype to bring alive a force that changed popular culture in fundamental ways.

Sinatra endowed the songs he sang with the explosive conflict of his own personality. He also made the very act of listening to pop music a more personal experience than it had ever been. In Frank: The Voice, Kaplan reveals how he did it, bringing deeper insight than ever before to the complex psyche and tur­bulent life behind that incomparable vocal instrument. We relive the years 1915 to 1954 in glistening detail, experiencing as if for the first time Sinatra’s journey from the streets of Hoboken, his fall from the apex of celebrity, and his Oscar-winning return in From Here to Eternity. Here at last is the biographer who makes the reader feel what it was really like to be Frank Sinatra—as man, as musician, as tortured genius.Amazon.com Review
Peter Bogdanovich Reviews Frank: The Voice

Peter Bogdanovich is an acclaimed director, producer, writer, actor, film critic, and author. He has directed over 25 feature films, including international award winners The Last Picture Show, What’s Up, Doc?, and Paper Moon. Read his review of Frank: The Voice:

There has never been a book of this kind or quality about Frank Sinatra. Like the formidable novelist he is, James Kaplan has somehow managed to get inside the man and the legend, to such a degree that you feel you are living Sinatra’s life with him, almost day by day.Yet it is the fastest read.

From his violent, deforming, traumatic birth, through his Hoboken childhood witha super-dominating mother and a weak father, through the heady, unprecedented bobby-sox years, his young marriage to the virtually saint-like Nancy, their three kids, his numerous--almost serial--infidelities, through the tumultuous affair with Ava Gardner--detailed as never before--through the much-frowned-on divorce, the suicide attempts, rivetingly onward through the near total collapse of his career, and right up through the miraculous comeback with the Oscar for From Here to Eternity,this book tells it all with the freshness of the first time, in the most engrossing and evocative prose.There is compassion and candor, and a profound sense of real lives being lived.

Sinatra the musician has never been taken as seriously or chronicled with such sensitivity and depth; it has never been as clear how very much the singer had to do with all aspects of his recordings and performances.This is a warts-and-all work, with a staggering amount of research to back everything up, revealing Nancy Sr. in all her grace, and Frank in all his moods, but it is never salacious or malicious, only honest, forthright and civilized.Nobody can be prepared for the life of a phenomenon--which Sinatra was--the first show business phenomenon of the 20th century, long before Elvis or the Beatles, and far more complicated and multi-layered. Being very human, Frank did the best he could with it all, and James Kaplan has done a magnificently resonant chronicle of the first half of an incredible journey. It leaves you hungering for the second volume!

Product Description
He had many names: Ol' Blue Eyes, the Chairman of theBoard, the Sultan of Swoon, the Voice.Ultimately, we will allremember Frank Sinatra as the World's Greatest Entertainer.The Voicelives on in this commemorative pictorial tribute to the life and50-year career of the man who changed the face of music and moviesfrom a humble beginning in Hoboken, New Jersey to his death on May 14,1998 at age 82.In addition to being written by Nancy Sinatra,Frank's first-born daughter, this is the ONLY book done with the fullcooperation of the Sinatra family.Reviewers rave "priceless," "avisual knockout," "a must-have for any Sinatra fan."Rare orpreviously unpublished photos and dozens of private stories told byhis most intimate friends separate myth from the real deal and makethis an extremely revealing--and truly poignant--testament to thelegend who did it his way.Also features a complete discography andfilmography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

IT'S NOT EASY BEING FRANK
If you are interested in the details in Frank Sinatra's life, this is a valuable, complete, and very readable book, supported by photos and a balanced personal insight.If you would like to learn the ins and outs of Frank's music, Will Friedwald's SINATRA: THE SONG IS YOU is the best book there is.Buy both books and you have a thorough history of Sinatra's personal life, and his important musical life.Be certain that when you buy Nancy Sinatra's book, SINATRA: AN AMERICAN LEGEND the terrific CD, located in an envelope on the inside of the back cover, is included.

A PRICELESS COLLECTION!!
It took me awhile, but I finally found this gem right here on AMAZON.COM through a private seller. This is the 'Deluxe Edition,' which includes the beautiful, coffee-table-size book AND the four (4) CD's. I was able to find this copy in 'NEW' condition, completely shrink-wrapped and in remarkable 'MINT' condition. (This product first hit the market back in 1995.) I should add that this edition also includes a very informative booklet, which includes an 'A-Z' directory of all of Mr. Sinatra's songs, a very informative preface written by Nancy Sinatra, Jr., and an extremely interesting historical perspective on Mr. Sinatra, written by noted Sinatra family historian Charles Granata. This book and the four (4) CD's tell us a great deal about the life and music of a true American legend. The forty-seven (47) songs here were all carefully chosen by Nancy as an accurate portrayal of the four (4) stages of Mr. Sinatra's career which began back in the mid-to-late 30's. All in all, this lovely presentation stands out as a treasured highlight for any Sinatra collector or afficionado. It'll probably be hard to find, but your time, effort, and expense will be well worth it!! Happy Hunting!!

The ideal family album
No wonder this book is so thick- it's filled with numerous photos of Frank Sinatra, his family, and friends over the years. I love looking at these pics, and so will any other Sinatra fan. There is detailed info throughout the book as well. This is one worth having in your collection.

Sinatra-Viewed Naked & Still Beautiful
Here is Sinatra stripped of everything who leaves me knowing he has deserved my love and admiration all these years.With Sinatra, he drove himself through life going after whatever he wanted and risking the consequences.We get to look at his ups and downs and his prides and his falls.We see him suffer at love and sing about it.We see him finally, after all the aborted tries, finally sink himself into a relationship with his last wife that kept him happy until he died.

Life for Sinatra was all or nothing at all and he did life his way and fell into lots of tender traps and led some into his own tender traps, like one famous movie star I will let you discover on your own.

What so special about Nancy's book is that she is amazingly organized and objective in her account of her father's life.And the CD, well the CD is everything.You get to hear Sinatra on Sinatra, unabashed.

Everyone on the planet needs to buy and read this book to learn what life can be when you go for it all every day!

Kudos to Nancy for a biography well, well done.

The Review
This book has excellent pictures with the most vital information for a biography project. A great buy and great read for interested fans of Ol' Blue Eyes. ... Read more

Product Description

"Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra, by former valet-aide George Jacobs with an oh-so-able assist by William Stadiem, has at least five quotable and shocking remarks about the famous on every page. The fifteen years Jacobs toiled for Frank produces a classic of its genre -- a gold-star gossip-lover's dream....

Customer Reviews (14)

A Compelling Read
Warts and all is the only way to describe this portrait of Frank Sinatra. There's no doubt in my mind that he was a great artist, but his persona left a lot to be desired, and George Jacobs helped by William Stadiem has put it all out there for us to judge for ourselves. This is gossip, but it's of the highest order, so to speak, it and includes just about every political and show biz mover and shaker of the times including JFK and the cast of his Camelot. Jacobs worked as Sinatra's valet and he loved his boss. He ended up being treated like many of the people in Sinatra's life who loved him, abruptly and definitively tossed out of the royal circle.Just how and why this happened is a terrific story filled with memorable scenes.My favorite is the one of FS trashing the lobby of the Sands Hotel and Casino in Vegas in a motorized golf cart with Mia Farrow, his then wife, riding shotgun.I recommend this book with no reservations, but in all fairness to Frank Sinatra, I would call attention to Pete Hamill's, Why Sinatra Matters.Hamill focuses on man as Artist, and lest we forget from reading memoirs like Jacobs, he was that in spades.

Relax, Clyde!
You haven't been drawn to this book because you want to learn how to be a valet or a cook.You're drawn to it because you've probably read something else about Mr. Sinatra.

So I don't understand the reviewers who are shocked by Mr. Sinatra's behavior in the book.If you've read about him, or watched documentaries about him, you know the terrible things.

If you don't want to read about a man who did rotten things once in a while, don't read the book.

If you can live with the fact that Sinatra wasn't a pussycat, and you would enjoy a day-to-day look at his life, told in an extremely amusing way, this is a fun book.It's interesting to learn about the workings of the extravagant Palm Springs weekend parties, the trips around the world, the women.

And George Jacobs puts himself and his opinions and feelings front and center, so it's especially interesting to see things from his perspective.

I liked the book.I own it and I've found it to be a handy supplemental reference whenever I hear or read about an especially hateful Sinatra story.Mr. Jacobs' perspective on a story always contributes balance.

And I want to mention again that the book is charming and very funny.

Juicy read!
Such a great, juicy read. Take it for what it is at face value. One man's account of Hollywood in the 50's and 60's. You'll never look at Frank Sinatra or the Kennedy's the same way again.

An Insider's Portrait of An Unpleasant Man
Well, if you thought Ol' Blue Eyes was not the nicest human being on the planet, this book won't persuade you any differently.George Jacobs, his valet from 1953 to 1968, was a talented and handsome black man who worshiped his boss and saw him through some of his most famous ups and downs.So when George dishes the gossip, as he does on almost every page, you feel like you can trust the source.George happily adopted his servile role because frankly (pun intended), there was no greater ride in the world than hanging onto Sinatra's coattails.George was able to go places and meet people and have remarkable experiences that were denied to most mortals.He swelled with pride at his insider's identity and thought that Sinatra's cruel streak would never touch him because of his loyalty.Wrong.One innocent dance with Mia Farrow (whom FS was divorcing at the time) brought down the famous wrath upon George:"In one split second, my life had been turned upside down, and I didn't have a clue why."One of the black maids abashedly handed him a letter from Sinatra's attorney:"It was short and anything but sweet.I had been dismissed, as of this instant . . . I was not to reenter the premises, nor telephone, nor in any way approach or try to contact Mr. Sinatra.My belongings would be delivered to me in three days.There was no explanation, no apology, no severance pay . . .[just the implication of] do not darken this door as long as you live."He never heard from Mr. S again.

Wow.This is how the book starts out, so you read on expecting to hear at some point a tone of bitterness or reproach--but it never comes.George remains rapturous about the glory days that he and Sinatra had together, and what results is almost a valentine to the crooner.Even so, the back cover of the book admits that Frank spared few of those close to him from rejection or scorn: "only Ava Gardner, Humphrey Bogart, and Betty Bacall."Ava was always his passion, his unrequited love, and he kept chasing her long after it made sense to do so.He basked in the Kennedy era until he felt marginalized by them and then turned nasty--such that "to be Lawfordized" became a verb symbolizing his total repudiation of someone.His first wife (Big Nancy, as opposed to Little Nancy the singer) did her best to keep the home fires burning long after his departure, but he seemed indifferent to her hausfrau efforts.Mia was, by all accounts, a hippie flake.And Barbara Marx was, well, a shrew who cut George from the funeral list in one of her many arbitrary displays of power.

So why did I read this book from cover to cover?Because George's story was itself remarkable.He strikes one as a very giving person, whose dedication to personal service reaped him many vicarious rewards. He chronicled a remarkable flux in the racial landscape during some critical years in US history, and he bestowed a kind eye on the many folks, celebrities or not, who crossed his path during his glory days.[I was pleased to read that he now earns his living as a master chef and carpenter.]And, Yes!, he ladles out the tittle-tattle in generous portions.Anyone wanting to gain real insight into Sinatra's public and private lives might want to read this book first . . .

I dare anyone to put it down
I love a great thoughtful insider memoir. The author truly tells what it FEELS like to be in this position with a megolomaniac star, a basket of contradictions.I never believd FS to be warm or fuzzy or even sexy . Dangerous, larger than life, classy and generous, most of the time- and a seething rage-aholic with venom galore. I enjoyed some of the insights given by other readers, I haven't more to add( since I read the book five years ago ), except that I appreciated the George Jacobs insight into Franks musical ambition and matching discipline.George truly loved Frank with all his heart . This is a MUST read for any Frank fan. ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing from the Sinatra family's private archive, FRANK SINATRA: THE FAMILY ALBUM vividly chronicles the private life of America's iconic star. Accompanied by unique firsthand recollections and stories from Nancy Sinatra and other family and close friends, these color and black-and-white images are bound in an elegant package designed in the form of a family album.Fans of Frank Sinatra will see the star clowning with his accompanist, relaxing on the sets of his movies, vacationing with his family on the beach, andwell over 100 other images, many of them taken by Sinatra himself. FRANK SINATRA: THE FAMILY ALBUM will feature the images and behind-the-curtain stories that only a family can provide---and that fans love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Chairman of the Board
A very intimate portrait of Francis Albert, giving us a different perspective of his begginings through photos as provided by his family, creates a more human appreciation of the greatest pop singer of our generation. A must for Sinatra fans and collectors.

Frank Sinatra Family Albulm
Excellent book by Charles Pignone, noted Sinatraphile. Charles does a fabulous job in putting together this great family albulm of great photos and remarks, this is a must have book for all Sinatra fans and collectors.
Frank Sinatra is and will always be the greatest singer in the world and this book shows you a little bit of how he got there over the years in pictures. Awesome.

My dad loved it!
My dad is a big fan and already has lots of books so I was afraid this might not appreciated. But he loved it. He thought that it was a copy of photos in a real family album.

A GLIMPSE INTO OL' BLUE EYES' LIFE
He's one of the true icons of the entertainment industry as well as one of the most renowned stars ever.Ol' Blue Eyes...Frank Sinatra.His name is still synonymous with stardom.Sinatra is one of those stars who will never fade away.It's not just that he left an enormous body of work in music, film, and television when he passed away, lots of stars did that.But Sinatra has something only a handful of celebrities had, true charisma and a certain aura to him.It's what separates Sinatra and others like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, from the pack.

With Christmas fast approaching, Little Brown & Co., has released a book that is sure to be a hit this holiday season.Frank Sinatra:The Family Album is a glimpse into the personal life of this legendary performer.As the title implies, this book is photo album of Sinatra's life.His family has graciously supplied most of the photos in the book, a gift to his legions of fans.The book contains over 100 color and black & white photos, tracing his life and career every step of the way.Writer Charles Pignone provides the informative captions as well lively anecdotes that include comments from Sinatra himself as well as various friends and family members, all sharing their memories of Frank.

What must assuredly be the most rare Sinatra picture shows as an infant, lying naked on a blanket, and even at that age, the eyes were already striking.We see Frank as a kid on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey, riding his bike and also visiting the beach with friends along the Jersey shore.My only regret is that we didn't get to see Frank more as a child and the album quickly moves into young adulthood with his marriage to Nancy in 1939.The happy couple are shown walking down the steps of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Jersey City.It's evident that Frank and Nancy were deeply in love as evidenced by the joyful photos.Nancy notes that in those early days they were together 24 hours a day as Frank traveled from show to show for his blossoming career.There's also lots of pictures of Frank and his children having many fun times together.

Much of the book is focused on Frank's careers from his days as a big band crooner and later with his film and television career.Frank is shown at lavish parties with a who's who of Hollywood including Jackie Gleason, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Tony Curtis, Dean Martin, and many more.Frank's life truly lived up to the type of a legendary star!Oddly though, there were no pictures of the Rat Pack together as one might have thought.

The book comes full circle as an older Sinatra becomes a Grandpa.Frank's status as a true family man is cemented as he plays with his granddaughters Angela and Amanda, building snowmen, sledding, and hanging out in the swimming pool.Amanda reveals that Frank was a big fan of the "Jeopardy" TV show.A star to the very end, this book presents a unique and personal look into the life of one of the 20th century's greatest stars.A fantastic tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes!

REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

Wonderful picture book
Being an avid Frank Sinatra fan, this book had some great pictures I have never seen. I recommend to any Sinatra fan. ... Read more

Product Description
Within is a masterful assembly of the most personal details and gorgeous minutiae of Frank Sinatra's way of living--matters of the heart and heartbreak, friendship and leadership, drinking and cavorting, brawling and wooing, tuxedos and snap-brims--all crafted from rare interviews with Sinatra himself as well as many other intimates, including Tony Bennett, Don Rickles, Angie Dickinson, Tony Curtis, and Robert Wagner, in addition to daughters Nancy and Tina Sinatra. Illustrated with scores of photos, The Way You Wear Your Hat captures the timeless romance and classic style of the fifties and the loose sixties and is a stunning exploration of the Sinatra mystique. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (37)

Your not a f'n Sinatra fan without this book.
The Way You Wear Your Hat is a book that will bring you the closest to feelin' the fun that Sinatra had. I've got several of his biographies and this one is an exciting thriller with great stories and quotes and easily number one out of them all. It's an easy and quick read for the 240+ pages of incredible material pictures and all. You will really miss out if you pass this one up!

Sinatra At His BEST!
This has got to be one of the best books ever written about Frank Sinatra. It is informative, enlightening, very funny, refreshing, and above all gives tremendous incite into the man. After you close the book you feel as if you knew Frank Sinatra intimately or wish you had hung out with him. It's not a bio, hype about the mob or trashy expose but a book of anecdotal views on How to Live; 'His Way'. How to dress, tilt your hat, the proper etiquette of drinking, how to mix the perfect drink (the one about the bartender over doing the ice is a scream), the value of friendship, work ethic, how to treat a lady (class, always class), bounce back from a broken heart, divorce and failure, surrendering yourself to marriage, the joy of fatherhood, the best way to beat mortality (don't go down w/out a fight), raising hell (the one about Frank & Dean flying over the desert in a helicopter shooting at the night is a howl). I enjoyed reading this book so much that after finishing it, I immediately started over again. To me it's like being with a favorite companion, one you often need to revisit. Each time you do so, you'll find that it'll always bring you the same joy, laugh and over all, just a 'feel good' feeling. You don't even have to read it cover to cover, it's not that kind of book. You just pick it up and open it to anywhere. Unfortunately this standard of excellence in everything that was certainly at the route of Frank Sinatra's art no longer exists and that is sad. But while reading this book it is alive and well, and something to respect, admire and enjoy. Do yourself a favor, grab this one; you'll be glad you did.

A great book!
This is a great book for any Sinatra fan. The book shares great and funny stories showing FS's swagger and kindness. Also, I learned the ropes of Sinatra style, like what color to wear past sunset, and even how to wear a fedora. The book also gives details about Ol' Blue Eyes' love life, especially the whole Ava Gardner fling. But the family man side of Frank is described too. One of my most favorite parts in the book is when the lingo of FS and the other Rat Pack pallies are defined and explained. The book contains cool pictures with people like Sinatra's chums and lady friends. "The Way you Wear your Hat" consists of some comments from celebrities and Nancy Sinatra about her fathers ways. I was very satisfied with the authors work. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

Question: "How Do You Know When You've Found A Friend For Life?"
Answer: "You bypass the acquaintanceship stage immediately. Either your currents are different and the chemistry isn't there or else you're hooked and you're a friend immediately - and, in most cases, permanently." ~ Frank Sinatra ~

What makes this book by Bill Zehme "The Way You Wear Your Hat" an interesting read is it is written in questions-and-answers format. It is sub-titled "Frank Sinatra and The Lost Art of Livin'." Mr. Zehme did an excellent job in painting an intimate portrait of the legendary Chairman of the Board as seen by Sinatra's fellow artists such as Tony Bennett, Angie Dickenson, Tony Curtis, Robert Wagner, Joey Bishop, Don Rickles, and his daughters, Nancy and Tina Sinatra. He prepared a set of essential questions for the Entertainer of the Century and the result is amazingly interesting. He pictured Ol' Blue Eyes as the Leader, Voice, Swinger, Fighter, Drinker, Actor, Prankster, Gentleman, Father, Lover and most of all, a Friend. It has been noted that Frank Sinatra was the kind of person that everyone loves to be a friend for life. Zehme said it perfectly - "he was a friend everyone wanted."

Sinatra once told Sammy Davis, Jr. and I quote, "Anything I can ever do for you - you've got yourself a friend for life." It has also been noted that Dean Martin was one of Sinatra's friends for life, as Zehme has written, "Dean was his balance, the man he could not be but wished he was. By origins, Italiano, they were opposites: Dean was Abruzzese, stoic in nature; Frank was Sicilian, passionate by birthright. Dean was a complex but fluffy nimbus rolling gently across the azure; Frank was the storm cloud, pouring love (or hate or joy), always in torrents."

Here are some of the most interesting questions-and-answers found in this book in which Frank Sinatra's answers were insightful and inspiring.

Q: "Can a friend ask too much of another friend?"
A: "A friend is never an imposition."

Q: "What is the most important thing to look for in a woman?"
A: "A sense of humor. It always helps to find a woman who is also looking. Make her feel appreciated, make her feel beautiful. If you practice long enough, you'll know when you get it. And by the way, look, but don't touch. You can't get into trouble window-shopping."

Q: "What should a man never do in the presence of a woman?"
A: "Yawn."

Q: "How should a man respect a woman?"
A: "I may sound old-fashioned, but I want all women to be treated like I want my wife, daughters, granddaughters to be treated. I noticed today that good manners - like standing up when a woman enters the room, helping a woman on with a coat, letting her enter an elevator first, taking her arm to cross the street - are sometimes considered unnecessary or a throwback. These are habits I could never break, nor would I want to. I realize today a lot more women are taking care of themselves than in the past. But no woman is offended by politeness."

Q: "How do you get over a broken heart?"
A: "You don't. It takes a long time to heal a broken heart. It's happened to all of us and never gets any easier. I understand, however, that playing one of my albums can help."

Q: "What do you do when a woman cries?"
A: "I usually cry with her."

Q: "How can a man and a woman survive divorce?"
A: "Try to remain friends if you can."

Q: "How does one best face failure?"
A: "Don't despair. You have to scrape the bottom to appreciate life and start living again."

Q: "When should a man consider the happy surrender of marriage?"
A: "There are moments when it's too quiet, particularly late at night or early mornings. That's when you know there's something lacking in your life. You just know."

Q: "How do you know when a hat looks right on you?"
A: "When no one laughs. My favorite was the one I wore on 'Pal Joey.' I was so crazy about that suit from the movie. I didn't want to wear the coat over it - and that's why I put it over my shoulder."

This is truly an insightfully interesting book about Frank Sinatra and a must-read to any huge Sinatra fan. Very highly recommended for your reading pleasure.

"Once his friend, you're a friend for life." ~ Vincente Minnelli ~

First of all .....
First of all, let me say that I am a HUGE fan of Frank Sinatra. Having said that, for the most part this book is a joke. The author clearly wrote a puff piece. This book can be read in 45 minutes - all 236 pages. It is a collection of anecdotes & quotes of famous people who all speak lovingly about Mr. S.Nothing more.I keep it & re-read it every few years because I'm a Frank fan, but there's really nothing there that makes you say "wow". ... Read more

Product Description
Frank Sinatra is widely acclaimed as "the Voice of theCentury".Though he later conquered recordings, films and television,it was radio that first made "ol'Blue Eyes" a susperstar.RadioSpirits proudly presents the classic radio shows that introduced theworld to "the greatest male vocalist in the history of popular music". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

SERIOUS SINATRA FANS MUST HAVE!!
Frank Sinatra and Friends Is like a perfect sampler of old time radioshows all of which happen to have Frank Sinatra as the guest star. Eachshow is presented in it's entirety (30 min). We get plenty of Sinatrasinging of course, but also acting in comedies and dramas alongside the Bigstars of the 40's and early 50's. WE also get the joy of experiending theold radio shows like the Jack Benny Program, Burns and Allen, the Bob Hopeshow and many others. So this is not just for Sinatra fans. Anyoneinteresed in Radio will love and treasure this collection. This is not justa bunch of predigested moments with Sinatra. This is the complete show.Each one is charming and intimate. The commercials are wonderful too.Listening to these shows is like traveling through time. These recordingsshow us a Sinatra that his recording do not. It is almost like meeting himin person. Everyone Involved in these shows seems like they are having awonderful time! And it is full of surprises. I recommend it withoutreservation!!

An Unexpected Treasure!!
For a Sinatra fan who has everything this collection is an unexpectedtreasure because It gives youmore of the Sinatra you crave. Not justsinging, but acting: drama, comedy, and more! And a very personal encounterwith Sinatra that you can't get with any other meduim. This collectionoffers something that the records and movies don't offer. You feel that you are In the room with Sinatra as he casually chats with the big stars ofthe day and joinsthem joins them in a comedy routine....than a song!! Andthis collection also introduces you to the world of old time radio. Youwill start to love them all: from Jack Benny to Burns and Allen.....Even Ifyou were not that interested in Sinatra this collection presents anoverview ofold-time radio....where each show happens to have FrankSinatra as the guest star!!! THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!! Iwant more!

A lot more varied than you might guess
<60 Greatest Old-Time Radio Shows Starring Frank Sinatra andFriends> is a monumental memorial to a showbiz phenomenon. Radio Spiritshas issued this collection in two formats: 20 audio cassettes each holding90 minutes of material (usually 3 half-hour shows) and 30 CDs each holding60 minutes. This last is an improvement over other tape/CD issues in whichthe latter had to be abridged to fit in the shows what the correspondingtape could easily hold without cuts.

Some of the shows here have onlya fleeting visit by Sinatra, others have him in short sketches, stillothers as co-star, and a few as the star himself. For example, he plays amajor role when guesting on a Burns &Allen Show but is the star of hisown series, "Rocky Fortune," of which this collection offers fourepisodes. These episodes, by the way, are a good example of Sinatra in hisbad years after MGM fired him because of an unfortunate remark he madeabout the studio head's mistress. They work very well as light comedymysteries but certainly do not call for any great acting skills. At hisnadir, he substituted for Bill Stern in the Sports Newsreel series and dida very good job as narrator.

He is heard in several dramatic roles in"Suspense" and "Lux Radio Theater," and a good deal ofjokes are made about his possibly receiving and later his actuallyreceiving an Academy Award for his role in "From Here toEternity." Included in his many comic guest spots with Fred Allen,Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen, Joan Davis, and Martin & Lewis are endless"skinny" jokes, none of which seem to be repeated except possiblythe one about being buried in the back yard by the family dog.

Naturally, you will hear a good deal of his vocalizing, once even with LouCostello, and that is pretty much the raison d'etre of this collection. Andif you have to listen to "Nancy With the Laughing Face" threetimes, well that is what fathers are for.

The question is whether topurchase the tapes or CDs. I have both. I heard all the tapes in my car andwill use the CDs for my classes because of the direct access feature.However the CDs are packaged in such a way that you must touch the surfacesin removing them from their plastic envelopes--and drivers should take notethat you need two hands to do so.

As a postscript, I should add thatyou don't have to be a particular fan of Sinatra to enjoy this collection.You get "A Date With Judy," "Command Performance,""Life With Luigi," a "Savings Bond Show," and so manyother radio gems that still linger in the memories of us older crowd--andsome that would be totally forgotten were it not for such Radio Spiritcompilations as this one. ... Read more

Product Description
The first-ever collection from the archives of the legendary Chairman of the Board, filled with never-before-seen photos, letters, mementos, and more.

What is a legend? A legend is a man who, more than 65 years after stepping on stage for the first time, is still larger than life. A man who changed the way we wear our hats. A man possessed not of a voice, but The Voice. Frank Sinatra is a legend.

Created in conjunction with the Frank Sinatra Estate, THE SINATRA TREASURES tells the story of Sinatras life with rare and never-before-published quotes from those he loved and those he worked with--and from the Chairman of the Board himself. More than 200 black-and-white and full-color images from several Sinatra archives, as well as 30 removable facsimile reproductions of items, such as a script from one of his radio shows and a Sinatra family photo album, provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Sinatras world and talent. Also included is a new compilation CD of rare interviews, early radio appearances, and songs.

This celebration of the many elements of Frank Sinatra--as singer, as actor, as humanitarian, as friend--brings to life as never before the man who made the standards standard. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

The Sinatra Treasures
Interesting Coffee Table book. Made a nice gift for a fan of the Chairman of the Board.

Sinatra set the standard for all entertainers.
It's a number of years since Sinatra's passing,but his music will forever be a reminder of how great he was.There have been many books about him,his life and his music;and I have read and written reviews on several of them;but if you want a book that really defines him ,his life and music;look no further than this wonderful collection.
This is a collection of things from Sinatra's life that really gets to what was important to him and what made him so great and why he was loved by so many admiring fans.
We all know his music and there is no doubt that no other singer's body of work is even remotely comparable.

When you open this book,album or however you choose to call it;you'll immediately come to the conclusion,that you have something unique in your hands.It is exquisitely put together with the best of materials,construction and care, admiration and respect;by someone who had an intimate knowledge of Sinatra.It is an experience of sheer joy to open the pages ,read the text,enjoy the photographs and open the pouches and examine the momentos that have been put together from Sinatra's life and career.When you finish going through the book,then you'll take out the CD and enjoy a full hour of not only a selecion of Sinatra's great songs and music;but some of the best comments,words,and conversations from Sinatra's interviews and even recordings from acts performed at his shows and discussions with friends.
Sinatra explains how he learned the art of putting together a song;and even though we all knew what a master he was;here we will really see and understand why his "voice" was so great and was in a category all its own.I guatantee that this CD will tell you things about Sinatra you never dreamed of;and the next time you listen to him and his music;you will do so with a much greater appreciation of what really made it so great.

Very happy Aussie Fan
The product is beautifully presented travelled well and is the best overall presentation of the man and his music I have in my memorabilia collection. I particularly wanted to get an insite into Frank's early life in the music industry and the influences that effected his decissions and directions he would take in the business because I am 73 years of age and a singer enterainer still working the clubs around Melbourne,Aus doing mostly Sinatra's popular songs and using the information I have collected over the years to inform the audiance of his amazeing carrier in particular the early years of which the "Treasure Collection" has been most informative thank you, Lyndsay Coombe.

The Sinatra Treasures: Intomate Photos, Mementos, and Music from the Sinatra Family Collection
I already owned this collection and purchased two for gifts.Since I enjoyed the collection so much, I thought it would be a great gift for two of my friends.

Both arrived in excellent condition.

Sinatra fan
Anybody who is a true Sinatra fan will love this book.Not just a bio, if provides copies of fan letters, programs, tickets, but also gives insight on what made the man.Great just for perusing on a rainy afternoon. ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring 100 photographs of Frank Sinatra working with orchestras and arrangers, listening to playbacks, and, of course, singing, this book tells the whole story of how he created the Sinatra sound and translated the most intense personal emotions into richly worked-out songs of unrivalled expressiveness. One of the thrills of listening to Sinatra is wondering how he did it-and this book explains it all, bringing the dedicated fan and the casual music lover alike into the recording studio to witness the fascinating working methods he introduced and mastered in his quest for recorded perfection. Revealed is how, in addition to introducing and perfecting a unique vocal style, Sinatra was also his own in-studio producer-personally supervising every aspect of his recordings, from choosing the songs and arrangers to making minute adjustments in microphone placement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

A Must for Anyone Interested in Sound Recording
Sinatra was a vocal master and a pioneer in microphone technique. This book gives great insight into how he worked in the studio and is an amazing read for anyone interested in sound recording. Can't recommend highly enough!!

What Would You Expect????
A wonderful depiction of Sinatra as recording artist (emphasis on recording).
As a musician who has performed with some of the artists on these sessions (although, sadly, never with Frank), so nice to read about some of the most historic recording sessions in American popular music history. As Pete Hamill wrote, Sinatra matters. A GREAT read.

Ring-a-Ding-Ding!!!!!
Charles L. Granata is a Sinatra Historian and Archivist, and he has distilled a wealth of information into his book: Sessions With Sinatra. It covers Frank Sinatra's career, from his first recording in 1939, until his last in 1993. It focuses on the music, and only mentions his private life if it pertains to the music. The book is about Frank Sinatra, the singer, but it is also about the Art of Recording, and the development of recording technology, which parallels the career of Frank Sinatra, or that is the central thesis of the book. "Chuck" Granata puts up a very good case, and documents his case with extensive detail. But with evidence like the illustrious career of Francis Albert Sinatra, it is an easy case to make.

Frank Sinatra is quite a paradox, someone with a dark side, but also a sensitive artist, the greatest singer of the 20th Century--but sometimes he could be a real jerk. The book doesn't pull any punches, but since we mostly see him in the recording studio, he is on his best behaviour. There is mutual respect between him and the musicians, the producers, and arrangers, with him occasionally pushing them to do their best. Yes, there are tantrums at times, and it is all in this book.

As well as information about Sinatra, his singing, the arrangements, and the music, there is also a tremendous amount of technical information. The various microphones used, the recording equipment, the echo chambers used to enhance it, the various studios and their construction and acoustics. Sometimes this can be a little dry to the non-engineers who might be reading it, but what is fascinating about it is that Frank was there making records when they were recorded on laquer covered disks, and he was along for the ride for all of the technical innovations that followed. To study the recordings of Frank Sinatra is to study the history of recording. He was not only there when it happened, but often the force making it happen, or at the very least the catalyst.

It is all there in Mr. Granata's book: From his early days with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, through his solo career at Columbia and Capitol. He left Capitol to form his own company, Reprise, and then finally at the end, for the Duets I and II he was back at Capitol. The great arrangers and producers that worked with Sinatra are all covered: Axel Stordahl, Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Gordon Jenkins, Don Costa, Johnny Mandel, Jimmy Bowen, Mitch Miller, Claus Ogerman, Ernie Freeman, and many others.

If you have ever wondered what is was like at the creation, this book is for you. If you are skeptical about Frank Sinatra's talent, if you doubt that he was the greatest singer of the 20th Century, and if there is a greater one in the 21st, he or she has yet to reveal him or herself, then listen to the songs listed in the book, then read the book. Songwriter Sammy Cahn knew Frank when he was just starting out, and as his career was just starting to gather momentum, he told him of a dream, a vision, that he could be, was going to be, the greatest singer the world has ever known. And he was.

Essential Sinatra:

Songs for Young Lovers (Nelson Riddle, August 1954) My Funny Valentine, The Girl Next Door
In the Wee Small Hours (Nelson Riddle, April 1955) In the Wee Small Hours
Songs for Swingin' Lovers! (Nelson Riddle, March 1956) I've Got You Under My Skin
Close to You and More (Nelson Riddle, January 1957) Featuring The Hollywood String Quartet
Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely (Nelson Riddle, September 1958) One For My Baby (and one more for the road)
Come Fly with Me (Billy May, January 1958) Come Fly With Me
Ring-a-Ding Ding! (Johnny Mandel, March 1961) Let's Fall in Love, I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
It Might as Well Be Swing (with Count Basie) (Quincy Jones, August 1964) The Best is Yet to Come
September of My Years (Gordon Jenkins, August 1965) It was a very good year
Strangers in the Night(Nelson Riddle and Ernie Freeman, May 1966) scoobey doobey doo!

Good rare photos and involving writing
This book comes from a different perspective and reminds the reader that really , it should be about the music .

I had read some silly books about Mr Sinatra and was glad to come across a serious one - I've always been fascinated by recording studios , having done some recordings myself . I wish I could have been at some of Sinatra's sessions .

This book is the next best thing for me .
I loved it .
Buy if you are even a small fan - this will make you into a bigger one .

Sinatra In The Studio
Read this one cover to cover. Incredible detail, both technical and artistic. The only thing that would have made this book better is a complete sessionography or a description of the recording process of each album rather than just select dates. That said, it is an incredible resource. This book, along with Will Friedwalds excellent "The Song Is You" are the definitive works on Sinatra's recording career. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Should have been an article
Being a Sinatra junkie, I had to buy this book.
Very interesting perspective from that of how 20th century history has viewed masculinity, and how Frank (for the most part from his films), was able to seemingly contradict what was the norm, yet fulfill ideals. (Yeah, we know, he was skinny!)
The book is full of repetition and the word "masculinity" is overused at nauseum. I would sugest buying only for a complete die-hard, or someone going into sociology.

when frankie went to hollywood
The book is very interesting however for the price i paid you would think that the dust cover shown on your site would have been included.
phil jones ... Read more

Product Description
From Hoboken to Hollywood, Frank Sinatra was always a larger-than-life package of talent, charisma and controversy. Singers had been big before, but there had never been a sensation like the young Sinatra. He drove the women wild and lived a life of monumental drama and intrigue. He secured his status as an icon of the highest order, one of the towering figures of the American century. "Nobody's ever been a bigger star than me," Sinatra said as a young man. "This'll never end." Ten years ago, it did finally end for Ol' Blue Eyes. But for those of us who were his fans, there will always be his incomparable music and film roles. And now, thanks to the pictures and vivid narrative from the editors of LIFE, memories of the extraordinary life and times of Francis Albert Sinatra are alive again. Ten years after the Chairman's death, here is the expanded version of an already classic LIFE book.

Also includes Gay Talese's classic profile/essay called, Frank Sinatra has a Cold. ... Read more

Product Description
"Old Blue Eyes" is as hot as ever!

Long considered the preeminent entertainer in show business, Frank Sinatra has been recording continuously since 1935.Although he attempted to retire once, his popularity continues to soar as new generations discover the special quality Sinatra brings to every song he performs.

* The essential reference for every Sinatra fan and record collector.Cataloged by experts, this is the one-volume source that no true Sinatra fan will want to be without.

* A comprehensive listing of every recording since 1935.More than a simple price list of the most popular tunes, this well-researched and comprehensive discography follows Sinatra's fifty-seven-year career from the beginning.

* Every format -- from 78s and 45s, both 10" and 12" LPs, EPs and V-discs, to domestic and international releases, and imports and bootleg records -- is included in this extraordinary collection.

* Up-to-date market information.Devotees will be able to check their collection against the most current market prices to determine the value of what they have.

* A special eight-page, full-color insert featuring original record jackets makes the OFFICIAL PRICE GUIDE TO FRANK SINATRA RECORDS AND CDs a unique reference to help you build or maintain your collection your way.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Frank Sinatra book
This is a good and quick reference book on the man.
I suggest it for any Sinatra fan who likes to collect his memorabilia
Its a great quick reference ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Sinatra, Frank and Friendly
This book is very well written and the pictures and illistrations are very good.Its like a big storybook its very nice I lovge it.

There are better books on Ol' Blue Eyes.....
The book is of fine quality, but the content covered is in later, not quite as interesting, years.

The photography is superb (Terry O'Neill) and the commentary is simple.The materials used in the book are unique;matte pages with glossy photos, which almost make it appear as though the author actually attached original prints to the pages.Classy.

In my opinion, the time period covered in this book shows a Sinatra on the downhill side of his career, and isn't quite as interesting as his earlier (ie: Capitol) years.However, the years that are represented here are done well, and show yet another side to a very complex man.

DISAPPOINTED
Perhaps I am missing the boat here or perhaps my Sinatra collection is too extensive but there was very little in this book that I have not seen before.If you have watched "Lady in Cement" and "The First Deadly Sin" then you really do not need to buy this book. Way too many pictures of these 2 movies. Other than some candid behind the scene concert shots I found nothing of interest here.It is a beautiful book; very well presented but the most personal photo in the whole thing is the one on the cover.A lot of money for movie set pictures, folks.

O'Neill's Sinatra Book is Fabulous
This book shows some really up close and personal pictures of Frank Sinatra. Excellent photos that really look into the man.
This book is great. The photos are indescrible they look so great.
This book was done perfectly and its not cheap however its a great great book. Sinatra fans and collectors = This book is a must for your collection

Great Pictorial Book on Sinatra
I had the great pleasure of seeing Terry O'Neill's exhibit at the Time Warner Building in New York..This book is the next best thing to seeing the blown up images of such captivating images of Sinatra.O'Neill has a knack of capturing raw emotions.You see the pensive and reflective Sinatra, the happy and jovial Sinatra, the cosummate performing Sinatra, the sensitive Sinatra and the passionate Sinatra...If you are a fan of Mr. Sinatra it is a must have for the collection...Amy ... Read more

Product Description
The definitive and explosive biography of one of the world's most controversial, fascinating entertainers, Sinatra: The Man Behind the Myth provides new, astonishing details of Sinatra's many tempestuous romances, the first true account of his ties to the underworld, his surprising influence upon American history and in politics, and his connections with such celebrities as Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and the Kennedys. of photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

The Chairman of the Board, Defined
Without a doubt, the most in-depth biography I've read of ANY celebrity to date.This is probably the real Sinatra, warts and all.Well-researched, highly readable, credible, no cheap sensational revelations in these pages.Written while Sinatra was still alive, the author traces the life of one of America's foremost performers from his youth in Hoboken, New Jersey, to his meteoric rise in the entertainment industry. His marriages, his tumultuous affairs with some of the most glamorous women in the world, his mob ties, they're all closely examined in an objective and unbiased way.If you want to know what the volatile world of Frank Sinatra was really like, then this is the book to read.

silly, error-ridden, survey of Sinatra's romantic life
This is one of the most disappointing biographies I have ever
read. More than thirty years ago I read Arnold Shaw's
impressive biography of Sinatra which nicely blended his
many professional achievements with the challenges of his
private life.

I hoped that Taraborrelli, with this book, would build on
Shaw's work, but instead he chooses to focus almost entirely
on Sinatra's private life, protraying him as an angry
twerp. He says little about Sinatra's singing or his
acting or his skills as a businessman (no details at all on
Sinatra's founding of Reprise Records!).

Oddly, when Taraborrelli does have anything to say about
a Sinatra record, he breaks into his own narrative and offers
comments that suggest that he has no idea what Sinatra is
about, briefly praising virtually everything Sinatra recorded, and then very quickly returning to a sordid, boring narrative.

To emphasize an artist's personal life to the almost complete
exclusion of the professional is a disservice to the subject
and reader--imagine a biography of Hemingway or Picasso that
only talks about their romances, ignoring their books and
paintings.

Although this book is graced by a handsome cover photo of
Sinatra, that is pretty much the only thing good about it.
In this case, the reader should very much not judge the book
by its cover!

5 STARS * * * * *
Let me tell you, THIS BOOK IS AMAZING.This biography is one of the most respectful, carefully written *TELL ALL* books I've ever read.This book tells you soooooo much info on Frank, it's unbelievable!It's almost as if you're standing in the studio with him, or in the middle of one of his notorious fights w/ Ava Gardner. You feel like you're RIGHT THERE.I thought I knew a lot about Mr. Sinatra, but I was proven wrong.Randy Taraborrelli (the author) gave it to you straight; he threw the whole story at you, but unlike a LOT of other books, he supplied proof to back it up.He interviewed many of Sinatra's old friends from his neighborhood in Hoboken, as well as fellow actors and musicians who knew Sinatra best.On top of all of that, there are 2 sections of black and white pictures and 1 color section.To sum things up...the author obviously had respect and admiration for Frank Sinatra, but he didn't hold back Frank's bad qualities...he let them all come out, all the while praising, respecting, and keeping Ol' Blue Eyes' memory alive!!!! A+

Good Book for F. Sinatra Info.
I am 75% through this book and so far it has been a wealth of knowledge. I can't say that it is all fact because each story carries testimonies from different people. However the book gives youa good idea on the type of man he was. His greatness and his faults.

Alright book, but too sleezy!
The book is written well. Its full of nice photos. However, there is far too much curse words, and attention on his sexual life, thus making the book into a 500+ page tabloid! Sinatra is a man of music, but lets notforget he was a brilliant actor as well. The book hardly focuses on thataspect of his career (the films) Instead, the author devotes much of hisenergy focusing into Franks love life, which I don't think should be lookedtoo deeply. Why, because you or anybody else (including the author) wouldwant his/her love life on the spotlight. The book would have been alotbetter if the author devoted his energy on taking out the sleezy jazz, andconcentrate more on his films. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a DVD in which Dean Martin and his famous pals insult, put down and make fun of honored guest Frank Sinatra, "the greatest pop vocalist of the 20th Century," at a banquet in 1978. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Good condition
The DVD was in good condition.I received it just in less than a week after ordering it.

Sounds like a bad copy
The product seemed to be like someone put it together themselves. Sound quaility was poor. You have to put the volume way up just to hear it. The packaging seems like someone is making copies of the original and selling them.

Roasted Ol' Blue Eyes
From 1965 to 1974 Dean Martin hosted his own televison variety show, the last year of which featured a segment called "Man of the Week Celebrity Roast," in which celebrities gathered on a banquet dais to lob funny insults at the featured roastee. This segment proved to be so popular that, after Dean's show had quit the air, the roasts continued to broadcast as a series of television specials. This one, featuring Frank Sinatra in the hot seat, aired in 1978 and happens to be a very funny roast. Staged in the MGM Grand Hotel, it oozes that swinging Vegas vibe so identified with the Rat Pack, with everyone smoking cigars, drinking booze, and trading zingers. One gets the feeling that, afterwards, all these folks (except maybe for Jimmy Stewart) reconvened someplace and just kicked it up another notch, in some sort of wild and kooky afterparty.

I do like watching the crop of roasts which nowadays pops up on Comedy Central, but, watching those, one gets desensitized a bit, what with all the cussing that goes on. One tends to forget that sometimes comics don't have to resort to the explicit to elicit laughter forceful enough that snot bubbles spew out the nose. The star-studded panel for Sinatra's "dinner" shows you how it's done back in the day, as these folks (even Redd Foxx) keep it clean. But that doesn't mean that the put-downs lose their raunchiness or edginess (just check out some of the barbs thrown out by Milton Berle and Don Rickles). Some of the best and most famous comedians of that era and several all-time great actors (Orson Welles, Jimmy Stewart) show up to zing Ol' Blue Eyes. And there's even a U.S. President (although Ronald Reagan wasn't yet, back in '78). Matter of fact, if you've seen a few of these Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, most of the guests here make up a huge chunk of the recurring cast. Back then, there were some serious celebrities on the dais. Nowadays, we get Greg Giraldo, Jeffrey Ross, and friggin' Carrottop.

Dean Martin, as ever, is the convivial roastmaster, laying it on well with his ease and his trademark inebriated act and the fact that he's having such a ball. Not all the celebrities are funny, and, no, not all the celebrities are celebrities (just who is Ruth Buzzi?). Gene Kelly does ramble on with movie clips of him and Frank dancing. But, man, those who happened to be "on" that evening, they slayed the audience. Ronald Reagan's warm and unassuming tribute showcases his humor. Orson Welles demonstrates yet again that not only does he have a way with words but also a wonderful delivery of them. And, even though his time on the podium drags on a bit too long, Peter Falk is surprisingly effective in his bit as his rumpled television character Lt. Columbo.

Of the professional comics, Uncle Milty, Red Buttons, Jonathan Winters, Charlie Callas and Don Rickles absolutely kill. To me, Red Buttons' "Never Got A Dinner" routines are hits or misses, but he knocks this one out of the park, the best lines being his first one and his last. Jonathan Winters, a talented improvisationist, comes up with nonsense after nonsense that cracks everybody up. One of the best things about these roasts is watching all the other celebrities bust up laughing, and it's especially priceless seeing Sinatra and Martin's cracking up to Charlie Callas's bodyguard routine. And Don Rickles, Mr. Warmth himself, is the final act and he predictably tears down the roof (although he's not as funny as when he ragged on Ronald Reagan and Bob Hope in other roasts).

Not that there's ever any doubt as to how tight Dean Martin and Sinatra were as pals, but hearing Deano's intro to Frank and then Frank's touching comments regarding Deano emphasize even more how very, very close these two guys really were, although I don't know that they ever flew together in a cropduster, as Jonathan Winters alleges.

Two last things. One, where were the rest of the Rat Pack? And, two, even though I knew better, when watching this again on dvd, I couldn't help but keep a lookout for Jeffrey Ross, who it seems to me has been put on this planet just so he can show up in every one of these things (that could be a compliment, or not).

Cheaper elsewhere
You can buy the whole series of ALL the roasts for the same or less than this price! Shop around! I own a few of these and they are all pretty funny some more so than others

The Sinatra Roast is a Classic
In 1977, Dean Martin hosted the "Dean Martin Celebrity Roast" series (which ran on NBC Thursday nights in the 1970's and 1980's). Of the many roasts produced in this series, this episode is especially entertaining as it focuses on one of America's greatest crooners of all-time, Frank Sinatra.

The roasters are of course a who's who of the Hollywood Golden Age.I especially enjoyed a video clip of Sinata and Gene Kelly performing dancing routines in three of their movies from the forties and early fifties. Old Blue Eyes was an accomplished dancer!Old George Burns begins the roasting followed by Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Stewart, Dom Deluise and Jonathan Winters, Milton Berle, Flip Wilson, LaWanda Page and Redd Foxx. Peter Falk makes a "surprise" visit as Lt. Columbo (a bit long in my opinion).Ruth Buzzi appears as Gladys Ormfby and proceeds to wallop just about everyone on stage.Ernest Borgnine surprises everyone with a rendition of his role as "Fatso" in "From Here to Eternity".There are other "star roasters as well, including Telly Savalas, whom I never found particularly funny. Don Rickles is hilarious as usual and gives Sinatra a full kiss on the mouth!

It's all good (mostly) clean fun.There simply is nothing like it today.The Comedy Channel is too profane for family viewing, and comedians today feel the need to shock their audiences with profanity-laced "jokes". Not so with the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts. These are adult oriented shows, certainly, but the jokes and gags are camoflaged enough so that little ears are not offended.

Want to laugh until your belly aches? Get this in VHS or DVD!

Jim Konedog Koenig
... Read more

Product Description
Sinatra as you never saw him before! Daniel O'Brienprovides detailed information on all of Sinatra's movies, co-stars,collaborators and directors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Surprisingly entertaining and informative...
I didn't have much in the way of expectations for this book but in all seriousness I was as surprised as anyone could possibly be at how immensely entertaining and informative it is. Great pictures throughout, humourousanecdotes, backstage shenanigans. I'm a member of the International SinatraSociety and I have just about every note Frank Sinatra ever sang on cd andI take my fandom pretty seriously. I would never intentionally steer afellow Sinatra fan the wrong way (read my scathing review of DonaldClarke's book) and I give you my word of honour that you will experiencenot a single moment of disappointment in the purchase of this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with revelations, this is the first complete account of a career built on raw talent, sheer willpower--and criminal connections. Anthony Summers--bestselling author of Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe--and Robbyn Swan unveil stunning new information about Sinatra’s links to the Mafia, his crowded love life and his tangled relationships with U.S. presidents. Exclusive breakthroughs include the discovery of how the Mafia connection began--in a remote Sicilian village--and moving interviews with his lovers. Never-before-published conversations with Ava Gardner get to the core of the tragic passion that dominated his life, came close to destroying him, and made his best work heartbreakingly personal. Sinatra delivers the full life story of a complex, flawed genius. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Tabloid hatchet job ALL THE WAY
Brought to you by a stiff upper lip whose curious suspect job seems to be to dispel US political conspiracy facts from across the pond, this was written by a cold pen who probably wouldn't know or care about art or entertainment if his very life depended on it. So it's no surprise this sour puss read is a hit job of racist institutional media hate.

Sinatra's musical and cinema fame spanned 6 generations, from the 40s through the 90s, yet all you hear about the man here is that he was a tough guy with wise guy connections. The music is but a footnote. For non music fans who wanna read about the man's warts, I suggest Earl Wilson's 70s bio. This book trades on ethnic stereotype, not pop art.

To date, the quintessential story of this man hasn't been available to the masses. Foreign press bent on character assassination should stick to dissing dead Kennedys. In an Orwellian day and age of epic spin and disinfo, the only storytellers qualified to write about FAS are fellow musicians and not tabloid hacks. Sinatra the man was about the music.

Trash
There are so many things wrong with this book that it is hard to know where to begin.
The author insists that Sinatra did get the part in From Here To Eternity because of the mafia stepping in and this particular lie has been disproved by every other person who has written about it.
In fact Summers would leave the impression that Sinatra was "in the mob" when there is no evidence to support it.
Did Sinatra sing for and enjoy associating with the "tough' guys?
Yes he did.

Sinatra made money for the mob there is no question about that.
And he was payed to sing by them when no one else wanted him.
Beyond that no evidence exists in the 1000s of FBI files that there was ever anything more to Sinatra and the mob.
All of this is very well documented.
If Summers can't even get that right can we trust anything else he says?

Sinatra had a daughter that no one knows about?
He needed to go to Earl Wilson to speak with Ava when she changed the locks?

Lets be serious here.
Don't waste your time or money on this book it asserts lots of stuff that simply isn't true and the writer could have found that out just by reading a few of the other Sinatra biographies that are in print.

Mr. summers has written a book he obviously needs for his own ego.

And it rarely connects to Sinatra the man.

SINATRA LARGER THAN LIFE
THE BOOKREVEALS THE DETAILS OF SINATRA'S LIFEDURING THE FIFTIES AND SIXTIES FRANK WAS THE TOP OF
CELEBRITIESANYWAY THE BOOK TELLS ALL AND I WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL SINATRA BUFFS

Good Mob Book.....Bad Sinatra Biography
If you were looking to read quite a bit about the Mob from the 1800's in Sicily up through the 1970's you are in for a treat.
If you wanted to read a biography about Frank Sinatra go elsewhere.
It is so clear that the authors of this book flatout dislike Sinatra and anyone involved with him. Everything is written with a side comment clearly expressing the authors' dislike of Sinatra, for example, about the Rat Pack "Being Drunk and making cracks about being drunk, was supposed to be hilarious" Clearly meaning the authors did not find it hilarious.
This is what you should expect throughout the book, side comments clearly expressing the authors dislike of anything Sinatra.
I'm not the type of person who needs to read gushing about someone I'm interested in but I expect nuetrality at the very least and not flatout hatred.

Summers: the suspect
During the opening parts of this book, I was amazed at how much private information the author (Summers) seemed to have accumulated on the Sinatra Family. As I got further into the book, I began to feel a little "suspect" of the growing amount of intelligence he had gathered. By the time I was halfway through, I had begun to suspect just about anything Summers was saying.

Although the publicity statement on the book labels it as "unfailingly fair-minded," after finishing the book, I think it's safe to say that such accolades are seriously off-target. This biography is anything but "fair-minded."

Summers' bias trickles through in the first third of the book (he obviously didn't like Sinatra, the man), then runs more steadily in the book's middle before it grows to a torrent by the last third.

For instance, Summers obviously approves of Sinatra's political dalliances with the Roosevelts and the Kennedys, but repels at his alignment with Nixon later in his life. He makes light of Sinatra's failure to condemn the burglary of Nixon's doctor's office by Kennedy henchmen during the 1960 presidential campaign (Frank's mob connections may have even helped), but is offended by Frank's cavalier opinion about the Watergate burglary by Nixon henchmen during the 1972 campaign.

And some of Summers' assertions are just too improbable, such as the allegation that Sinatra turned to forcible rape when he was a mega-star in his 50s.

The book is entertaining, and well written, but I would take about 80 percent of it with a grain of salt--maybe even a whole saltshaker. In fact, if just 20 percent of the contents can be called factual, then Sinatra has to be discussed in the same vein as Ted Bundy, Son of Sam, and Jack the Ripper. If I thought the information was more accurate, I would have graded it a star higher.
... Read more

Product Description
We proudly present the most comprehensive Sinatra songbook ever! Weighing in at more than 400 pages, this deluxe volume features 100 classics performed by Ol' Blue Eyes, plus an informative biography and fantastic photos. Songs include: All the Way * April in Paris * Chicago (That Toddlin' Town) * Come Fly with Me * High Hopes * I Get a Kick Out of You * I'll Be Seeing You * The Lady Is a Tramp * Love and Marriage * Luck Be a Lady * My Kind of Town (Chicago Is) * My Way * Theme from New York, New York * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Just the thing I needed
Looking for this for a long time..
Received quickly as advertised..
very satisfied...thanks.

A great find!!
I was thrilled to find all this music in spiral form to put on the piano, I can't give technical commentary on the music though cause I don't read music, this is a gift for my boyfriend who plays the piano very well but I'm not giving it to him till next month

Good collection
This is a nice collection of songs and will probably fill some gaps for you, unless you're a hard-core Sinatra fan.The arrangements are mostly for piano solo rather than accompaniment, and are probably the original sheet music version.The arrangements could be more interesting if you're an intermediate or advanced pianist, but it's a nice collection for sight-reading.

Incredible collection for the money
There are very few songs made famous by Sinatra that are missing from this impressive book. This is an incredible collection for a relatively low price.

Sinatra's Songs You Remember Still
As a musician, I was delighted to find the Sinatra Anthology. I just wish it had a spiral binding, so it would stay open when I'm playing these songs for parties or just for my pleasure! (I will probably invest another $5 to have it done at a Copy Center.) Many of the rarely heard, but still loved tunes are in this collection (which is why I ordered it.) Sinatra's voice was at its best in those early years, when he was on the Saturday Night Hit Parade when I was a teen. Thanks for this memory! ... Read more

Product Description
Fully documented and highly detailed, this is the biography that Sinatra tried but failed to stop. A runaway #1 bestseller. HC: Bantam. (Nonfiction) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Not True
Beginning on page 107, Kitty tells of Frank Sinatra visiting Gary, Indiana's Froebel High School on November 1, 1945.I was very surprised to read this because I knew my dad graduated from Froebel in the 1940s but I had never heard him talk about Frank Sinatra coming to his school.I called my dad.He said that he was there the day Mr. Sinatra addressed the students; however, there are MANY discrepancies between what he knows to be true and what she describes in her book.

Kitty tells us that Mr. Sinatra came to Gary on that day "to try to settle a strike by the white students of Froebel High School against the 'pro-Negro' policies of their new principal, who had allowed the school's two hundred seventy black students to share classrooms with whites, to join the school orchestra, and to swim in the school pool one day a week.As a result, some one thousand white students had walked out screaming and yelling and throwing bricks through the school windows."My father told me that is "completely false".

The first point he made was this:The strike was about school district boundaries and came about when the City of Gary said that they would send ALL black students to Froebel High School regardless of where they lived in the city. One exception was Roosevelt High School which was further south of Froebel.According to my dad, there were 5 or 6 BIG high schools all over Gary, and regardless of where you lived, there was a high school nearby.

Second:Froebel High School was already integrated before the City wanted to change boundaries.Black students were already attending classes with white students and played on the same football and basketball team.The only thing they did not share was the swimming pool. The students were NOT against having black students in school with them, but rather against having so many new students requiring more resources.

Third:The students never ran running and screaming through the halls of the school throwing bricks through the windows.Again, completely false.

Further on, Kitty describes that Mr. Sinatra and 2 other men were "met by the mayor and escorted to the school auditorium, where more than five thousand pupils and their parents had gathered at 8 o' clock in the morning."Not true.Frank spoke in Tyler Park, not the auditorium, to approximately 200 students.According to my dad, very few of their parents attended.She also tells us that Mr. Sinatra asked the kids "to rise and repeat with him a pleadge for tolerance."According to my father, that never happened either.

I stopped reading the book after our conversation.I returned it to the library and was grateful that I hadn't spent any money on it.

A Strane Achievement
The unusual thing about this book is this:Kitty Kelley manages to write something absolutely terrible about Frank Sinatra on every single page.Every.Single.Page.

This made me suspicious of Ms. Kelley's intentions.A well-written biography attempts to present its subject in a balanced way.In this book, there are only perfunctory mentions of Mr. Sinatra's charity work, his mentoring of other entertainers and his devotion to his family (according to Tina Sinatra's book, he attended every therapy session she had as a young adult, and took his lumps).

And his talent?She isn't interested.

There is something sinister about the relentless negativity of this book.It isn't a pleasant, or even an interesting read.

Imagine spending three hours with the most unpleasant, unfriendly, chip-on-her-shoulder person you've ever known, and you will get a feeling for the effect this book will have on your psyche.

From the National Enquirer book club
I picked this book up at a yard sale. I started to read it, but only got through the first couple of chapters. I put it aside, and then a few weeks later, tossed it in the trash can. Maybe its because I'm such an avid Sinatra fan. I've heard all the stories, but I love the man's music too much to have taken this drivel seriously.

HIS WAY
All of Kitty Kelley's books are good. Most of her book's are all Unauthorized bio's of popular people. Also, check out: The Family, The Real Story Of The Bush Dynasty.

Garbage
Any TRUE Sinatra fan would never read a word of this garabage from this despicable author. ... Read more