I would say that he is the greatest singer from the West. But I don't feel sad when I watch him. He lived as full and as accomplished a life as you could hope for.
I noticed that he put a LOT of words that didn't exist in the original song, but old blue eyes could do anything with the songs! The world gave him the permition!
A nearly 60-year career gave him permission to do and sing whatever he wished. Which reminds me of a story in his later years when the extremely rare incidence of him forgetting lyrics and stopped mid song, and said "I'm sorry" and some guy way up high in the balcony yelled out "That's alright, Frank, we love you!" He waited a moment, then looked up and said "I love you too" and then went on to the next song and never missed a word or note! THAT is your consummate performer! (RIP, FS, we miss you!)
Frank kept Sammy in toe. He use to ball him out when Sammy went off. Had the privllege to see Sammy perform along with Liza and of course Frank. Brought alot of happiness that wonderful night.
The Sands/Summit meetings were epic. Live at the Sands with Basie is the epitome of Franks singing swing. Sad to see this is the only video from Live at the Sands that I can find on RU-vid. Frank will always be the "King" and "Boss". 50 years from now when electronic pop is happening, they will burn out and always fall back to the standards of the 1st half of the 20th century. The music and melodies are timeless. Too young to see Frank, I saw Frank Jr singing with the San Diego Symphony 2 years before his passing. I was so happy to at least taste a piece of the legacy.
They knew Sam was dying. I saw Frank, Liza and Sam on 28 Feb 1989. About Sept 1989 the newspaper reported the throat thing. That was it. Sam died the following May.
I saw Sinatra sing this as opening song in Cargany Hall, NY 1986. It made you think, just as in this recording: Frank, please, call it a day... We love you. It's been enough.
Michel van der Sanden My friend, a true artist never quits. For an artist, to quit creating, performing is a death sentence. Are you an artist , my friend? All artists will concur with me. 👌
Frank recorded this with Steve and Eydie. Its too bad Steve and Eydie didn't perform. They were in the audience. Would have loved to see Steve perform I've Got to be me to Sammy. Instead Stevie Wonder did.
+Marvin The Jazzman He certainly looks far from well here. And you can see Frank wells up a little on the first "where or when" - he knew the diagnosis and that Sammy had only a little time to go.
The Big C came on Sam fast: we saw him with Frank and Liza on the night of 28 Feb 1989 and Sam was in sparkling form, he outdid Frank that night, let me tell you!
Frank's not yet 74 for this performance. 73 seems so young now, but Frank seemed quite old. That grand-standing ending, aside from falling apart, was inappropriate for the song in the best of voice, more like an "American Idol" contestant shilling for votes.
Im Yu: I am now totally convinced that there are some really stupid people in this World who know nothing about music including the great swinging ballads performed by the Chairman. I knew Frank. I'm glad I don't know you.
You might've known Frank, I suppose . Perhaps you're letting your "friendship" with him affect your perceptions. Listen to some of his earlier performances to hear how it's really supposed to be done. (I'm not sure what makes you think that you don't know me.)
Im Yu: Let's back up a bit my friend. Frank knew Sammy had only a few months to live and would later die in May of 1990. Sammy loved this version of "Where or When" as Frank would sing it this way when on tour with Sammy and Liza. He had nothing to prove to anyone. Yes, his earlier recordings were great, but later, Frank had to adapt his singing style to his aging voice. Most of his fans loved these later recordings and performances as I did. Different but still very good.
Nice story. Much better than calling me a really stupid person who you're glad you don't know. Obviously, Frank was singing as well as he was able to sing.
Im Yu: Sorry about my first response .. I loved Frank and in his prime he could own almost anything he could sing. Yes, I knew him well. I will keep my identity clandestine. Peace.
