It’s time to change gears, at least for this week.
Some years ago, while writing a book on the animal rights movement (now sadly outdated), I befriended an interesting guy, an orangutan trainer who had a show on the Las Vegas Strip for many years. “Bobby Berosini and His Amazing Orangutans” was a popular show, and Bobby knew many of the Las Vegas regulars; in his living room, he had a big photo on the wall of him in his spangled on-stage jacket. In the middle of the photo was one of his orangutans, which had one long arm around Bobby and the other around Frank Sinatra.
I’ve sadly lost touch with Bobby over the years; his legal battle with PETA, although he won, soured him, and last I heard, he had retired and taken his apes to an estate in Brazil. But Mr. Sinatra, he’s not with us physically, but his music sure is – and here are six of my favorites, for those occasions when I go on a Sinatra kick.
And, yes, out of respect for his… known associations, we should always refer to him as “Mr. Sinatra.”
Love and Marriage (1955): Younger folks know this as the “Married With Children” theme. This tune was originally recorded well before that show, in 1955, in fact. The song was first performed by Mr. Sinatra on a television broadcast of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” He later recorded the song again, in 1965, but it was the original 1955 version that was used to introduce Chicago’s notorious Al Bundy.
Fly Me To the Moon (1964): This song was written in 1954 by Bart Howard and originally recorded in 1954 by Kaye Ballard. Mr. Sinatra recorded it in 1964, and it became associated with the Apollo missions that were in their early stages in that year. Five years later, NASA, which still did space stuff in those days, actually flew men to the Moon.Mack the Knife (1984): “Mack” was composed in 1928 by Kurt Weill and the lyrics written by Bertolt Brecht for the musical show “The Threepenny Opera.” It’s a song about a knife-wielding crook named Macheath. Originally written in German, it was translated into English and performed by Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald, and, of course, Mr. Sinatra. This version was recorded in 1984 with Quincy Jones’ orchestra, and it’s a marvel.See Also: Start Your Weekend Right With Six Great Quincy Jones Tunes
Luck, Be a Lady (1965): Written in 1950 by Frank Loesser for the musical “Guys and Dolls,” in which Mr. Sinatra actually appeared in the 1955 film version of the play. It’s his 1965 version that seems to be best-known, and if you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you’ll probably have some idea of the gist of this song. The lyrics, after all, are the hopes and wishes of a gambler from that play, one Sky Masterson, who is hoping to win a key bet.
New York, New York (1979): This is an ode to the New York City that once was. Written to be the theme song for the 1977 Martin Scorsese musical movie of the same name and originally performed by Liza Minelli, Frank took the song two years later and made it his own.See Also: Start Your Weekend Right With Five Great John Williams Movie Themes
My Way (1969): This has to be the best-known and iconic song Mr. Sinatra ever recorded. It was his signature piece, a concert staple, and it sums up the great man’s life. Written by Paul Anka for Mr. Sinatra, during the translation from a French song, Comme d'habitude. During the writing, Paul Anka reportedly mused, “If Frank were writing this, what would he say?” I’d say Paul Anka got it exactly right.
It’s impossible when considering a talent like Mr. Sinatra to limit oneself to six songs, or ten, or twenty. But these were the six that jumped out at me when I surfed for Sinatra music, and I could easily have picked six a week for six weeks.
I’m sure you all have your own favorites. The comments are, once again, all yours.
