Good Night, Sweet Prince (His Nearly 40 Year Purple Reign Is Over)

While I can't say that I was ever much of a fan, there is no denying the HUGE impact Prince had on the music world ... he charted nearly 60 times between 1978 and 2006 ... and that total includes 34 Top 40 Hits, 19 of which made The Top Ten, and nine that went all the way to #1.  He was also a seven-time Grammy winner ... and performed at the 2007 Super Bowl Half-Time Show.

Despite the fact that I couldn't really connect with a lot of Prince's music, I will admit that, like most of our recording heroes (with perhaps the possible exception of Barry White!), I could still find songs by Prince that I genuinely liked ... and will continue to listen to until I myself leave this world ... GREAT tracks like "Little Red Corvette", "Purple Rain", "Raspberry Beret", "1999" and "Kiss".

Exact circumstances surrounding his death are still very vague at this time ... but a full autopsy will be performed later today to see if the exact cause of death can be determined.  (Prince had missed a couple of shows, blaming it on the flu ... and even had to make an emergency landing here in Illinois for health reasons ... but performed the very next night and told his cheering fans who said that they had been praying for him to "wait a few days before you waste any prayers."  (Sounds to me like Prince knew that this was clearly MUCH more than the flu ... a statement like that would imply that perhaps Prince was going in for some type of tests or treatments in the very near future.  We'll know a lot more as more details are released over the next several days.)

Born Prince Roger Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and adept at playing a large variety of instruments, Prince also branched out into movies, starring in films like "Purple Rain", "Under The Cherry Moon", "Sign 'O' The Times" and "Graffiti Bridge", all of which he also provided the musical soundtrack for.  He also wrote and performed the bulk of the score for the first (and best) "Batman" movie starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson (and even scored a #1 Hit with "Batdance" from the film.)

There was talk many times over the years of Prince portraying Jimi Hendrix in a biopic about the legendary star.  Not only does he look a little bit like Jimi but with his own incredible guitar prowess, he could have easily handled all his own stunts.  (Eric Clapton was reportedly once asked "How does it feel to be the world's greatest guitarist" to which he replied, "I don't know ... ask Prince.")

He always remained true to his Minnesota roots and helped advance the careers of several other artists like Sheena Easton, Sheila E, Apolionia, Vanity (who also just passed recently), Wendy and Lisa and more, nearly all of whom he was also romantically involved with.  In addition, he wrote the hits "Manic Monday" by The Bangles, "I Feel For You" by Chaka Khan and "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor.  (Remember the night when The Pope tore up her picture on national TV???)  Below is a link to a medley of hits written, cowritten, produced or inspired by Prince):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=VCLor8WltRQ

He was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2004, where he performed (with Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood, Danni Harrison and several others) the George Harrison classic "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".  It was a show-stopping performance (and has probably racked up several million more views in the short time since news of Prince's death circulated around the world.) Nearly every published news report I've seen links to this track rather than any of Prince's solo work ... kind of surprising in the way since he was such a "visual" artist in his own right.




Tributes from all over the world have been pouring in ... and countless musicians have gone on record citing Prince as a tremendous influence in their own careers.  (You'll find several listed below)

Prince is the latest casualty in an incredible year of musical passings ... at this rate, they're going to have to extend The Grammy Ceremony by an extra hour this year just to fit in all the tributes.

We have just heard that Prince has died.  This year of 2016 continues to be a rough one for musicians.  I liked several of his songs through the late 80's.  His music will live on.  My 17 year old son and his buddies were jamming to Raspberry Beret last Summer.  When I asked them about it, I was told that was their favorite song.
Phil - WRCO

Hi Kent. 
I just wanted to send you a few notes on the death of certainly one of the finest singers, songwriters and musicians of our lifetime: the artist simply known as Prince. I was able to see him in concert four times over the course of 30 years and have to say his performances were simply electrifying. Sure he was a multi Grammy winner, an Oscar winner and Rock Hall Of Fame inductee. Sure he recorded lots of excellent music and had many chart hits over his career. Prince (as one of his role models Stevie Wonder had done prior) would record entire albums all by himself. He would write, produce and play every instrument, sing every note and then mix it all into two LP sides of funk, soul, rock, blues and pop. Truly a one man band. I, as many music fans are today, am simply shocked and stunned at his sudden death. Hard to select just one favorite song, but after recent events the song I wanted to hear first was the closing track of his Parade album ("Sometimes It Snows In April"). Today it may not be snowing, but on this April 21st there are many tears falling. Gone at just 57 years of age. Thanks for all the wonderful music. R.I.P. Mr. Nelson.
Santi in Miami

THE PRINCE HIT LIST
(It kinda HAS to be in purple, doesn't it???)
1980 - I Wanna Be Your Lover (#11)
1983 - 1999  (#12)  
1983 - Little Red Corvette (#6)
1983 - Delirious  (#8)
1984 - When Doves Cry  (#1)
1984 - Let's Go Crazy  (#1)
1984 - Purple Rain  (#1)
1985 - I Would Die 4 U  (#8)
1985 - Take Me With U  (#25)
1985 - Raspberry Beret  (#1)
1985 - Pop Life  (#7)
1986 - Kiss  (#1)
1986 - Mountains  (#19)
1987 - Sign 'O' The Times  (#3) 
1987 - U Got The Look  (#2)
1988 - I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man  (#10)
1988 - Alphabet Street  (#8)
1989 - Batdance  (#1)
1989 - Partyman  (#15)
1989 - The Arms of Orion   (#33) 
1990 - Thieves In The Temple  (#1)
1991 - Gett Off  (#21)
1991 - Cream  (#1)
1992 - Diamonds And Pearls  (#1)
1992 - Money Don't Matter 2 Night  (#20) 
1992 - My Name Is Prince  (#20)
1993 - 7  (#6)
1993 - The Morning Papers  (#35)
1994 - Pink Cashmere  (#33)
1994 - The Most Beautiful Girl In The World  (#3)
1994 - Letitgo  (#17)
1995 - I Hate U  (#12)
1996 - Betcha By Golly Wow!  (#31)
1999 - 1999  (#40)  re-released to celebrate 1999
 

FH Reader Tom Cuddy sent in this list of incredible accolades by some of the biggest names in music ...    

Elton John: “This is truly devastating news. The greatest performer I have ever seen. A true genius. Musically way ahead of any of us. Sang with him twice on stage. What an honor. Rest in peace you purple warrior.”   

Brian Wilson: "I'm shocked to hear that Prince passed at such a young age. Musically, he could do it all: sing, play, arrange and produce. Love & Mercy."   

Mick Jagger: "I am deeply shocked to hear of Prince’s passing. His talent was limitless. One of the most unique and talented artists of the last 30 years. A revolutionary artist, a great musician, composer, a wonderful lyricist, a startling guitar player, but most importantly, authentic in every way."   

Lenny Kravitz: "My musical brother... My friend... The one who showed me the possibilities within myself, changed everything, and kept his integrity until the end, is gone. I am heartbroken."   

Dennis DeYoung: "LONG LIVE THE PRINCE. Too soon. I think I just saw a Dove Cry."  

Joe Walsh: "Prince- Thank you. You showed us all how to do it."   

Mickey Hart: "This post goes out to all the great musicians we've recently lost in 2016. Thank you for your contributions, your fearless creativity and sharing your heart & soul with the world. There must be quite a jam session going on upstairs."   

Bob Seger: "It’s shocking, and so sad. Way, way too young. He was so immensely talented. It’s unusual to have somebody be that talented on so many instruments and yet still be a really good producer, songwriter, arranger ... everything... I loved his music. He still had greatness ahead of him, I believe. He was a gift to music.”   

Bono: "I never met Mozart, I never met Duke Ellington or Charlie Parker. I never met Elvis. But I met Prince."   

Dave Mason: "In 2004, Traffic was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with Bob Seger, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne, George Harrison, The Dells, and Prince. Up until that time I was never a big Prince fan other than the song 'When Doves Cry.' Prince was the first performance that night and I have to say I was absolutely blown away. Sad to hear of his passing so young."   

Paul McCartney: "Saddened by Prince's death. Proud to have seen in the New Year with him. He seemed fine and played brilliantly funky music. God bless this creative giant. Thanks Prince."   

Ringo Starr: "God bless Prince. We will all miss him. I still have my purple whistle. I will blow it tonight. Peace and love."   

Cyndi Lauper: "Heartbroken about Prince, one of the greatest artists has left us... I'll miss my friend, his advice and great humor. Thank you for your magical music."   

Ted Nugent: "My soul brother, funk brother, blood brother. Jam in peace forever."   

Steven Tyler: "LEGENDS NEVER DIE...WE MAY HAVE LOST HIS BODY, BUT WE’LL NEVER LOSE HIS MUSIC OR SOUL...REST IN PEACE TO MUSIC ROYALTY PRINCE."   

Stevie Nicks: "My friend is gone...This is what it sounds like, when doves cry. He was my dove..."   

Mick Jones of Foreigner: "The world lost another legend… Thank you for giving us so much…"   

Justin Hayward: "He gave me the ability so see life differently. Thank you dear Prince. 'Raspberry Beret' is one of the top five lyrics ever written. A joy... And I got to mix a great show of ours at Paisley Park studios - brilliant."   

Chris Cornell of Soundgarden: "I'm in shock and deeply saddened... RIP to one of the MOST talented and unique artists of our generation."   

Stevie Van Zandt : "Oh no. Not Prince. What a magnificent lifeforce. Our world is forever diminished."   

Duff McKagan of Guns n' Roses: "What do we do now? PRINCE. No. I hope you weren't in much pain... Your music saved me time and again."   

Slash of Guns n' Roses: "So sad to hear of Prince's passing; one of the greatest musical talents of my lifetime. Maybe of the 20th century. RIP."   

Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine: "One of the greatest, most gifted and unique musicians, performers and producers ever."   

Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top: "My guitar-playing pal has left us but his impact is forever. RIP Brother Prince."   

Zac Brown Band: "Already a bad year for losing musical legends. Gigantic kick to crotch to lose Prince so young. So sad."   

Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones: "I will miss a good friend who was so talented. He was such a great performer / guitar player. Sleep well, Prince."   

Joey Kramer of Aerosmith: "We've lost one of our best. My thoughts and prayers are with Prince and his family. He was one of a kind."   

Jon Anderson of Yes: "He will always be with us. His movie Purple Rain is still very special to me. His soul, art and music stand alone... He was a 'Prince.'"   

Pete Townshend of The Who: "Goodbye, sweet Prince. Pure, certified genius at the highest level. Too soon.'   

Billy Idol: "Oh my God, I can’t believe that Prince has died. He was a great great talent…RIP."   

Gene Simmons: "Prince, Glenn Frey, David Bowie, these are people who changed lives. These are not just songs -- they are the soundtrack of people's lives. You remember things in your lives. In the days when I went out with Diana Ross and he was still singing in his underwear on stage, I took Diana to see him at a club and I said, 'You've got to check this guy out.' He was singing in a pure falsetto but his talent was undeniable. It was like, 'Look at this guy.' What he's done is undeniable -- he carved his own road and whether the record company liked him or not he was his own guy. His body of work is undeniable."   

John Fogerty: "Honored that Prince chose to perform 'Proud Mary' at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2007. You were truly one of a kind. Rest in Peace."   

Nikki Sixx: "RIP Prince. One of the saddest days to sat the least. He was the true definition of a real artist."   

Paul Stanley: "This is a profound, profound loss... RIP PRINCE."   

David Coverdale: "R.I.P Prince...Exceptional talent..."   

Kenney Jones: "And another one lost in 2016. What is it with this year? Prince RIP. Loads will be shedding purple tears. May God be with you and keep you at peace."   

Peter Frampton: "I can't believe we have lost Prince. My thoughts are with his family. Sad isn't the word. Rest in peace."   

Ann Wilson: "He brought light to the world... Now he is on a journey of his own. Travel well sweet soul!"   

Jon Bon Jovi: "I'm crushed by the news that one of the greatest inspirations in music EVER has passed. I was lucky enough to have met him many times, and to call him a friend... PRAYERS to his family and to all who loved his genius..."   

Don Felder: "One of the best concerts I have ever seen, here in Los Angeles several years ago. I've seen a lot of shows but his was a display or great songs, amazing vocals, killer grooves, rocking guitar parts and God-given talent. RIP Prince Rogers Nelson. You have given us years of wonderful music. Thank you."   

Travis Barker of Blink 182: “Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time. Haven't loved an artist as long or as consistently as I have Prince. My dream was to one day collaborate with him or play drums for him. He use to come watch #DJAM and I play. Those nights went down as some of my favorite.”    

Paul Rodgers: "A great performer and an amazing talent who made a difference."      

Rolling Stone Magazine offers many more tributes (including a moving video from Stevie Wonder) ... as well as lots of Prince videos (and a clip of song that Prince wrote for Kenny Rogers!!!)
http://www.rollingstone.com/ 

Update:  We heard last night that Prince's "medical condition" that forced an emergency landing in Moline, IL, a week before his death was not flu-related but rather a drug overdose.  Naturally, we're expecting to hear MORE bad news over the next several days as details of Prince's final days come to light.

*****

With the death of Prince today, I'm afraid the loss of another musical legend may get overlooked.

Ken Voss

LONNIE MACK, JULY 18, 1941 - APRIL 21, 2016

http://mailman.305spin.com/view/?cid=5&sid=8016&uid=71772&ue=marc%40allig.com&lid=6571

 

Lonnie's big pop hit, of course, was his excellent instrumental version of Chuck Berry's "Memphis", which reached #5 in 1963.  Lonnie hit The Top 40 one more time with the follow-up record, "Wham!".  We hope to have more on Mack this weekend in Forgotten Hits.  (kk)

A Few Of Your Mid-Week Comments

Last Chance!  
Tomorrow is your last chance to enter to win a brand new CD from Eric Records ...

Simply visit the Epic Records website ... http://ericrecords.com/ ...

And tell us which three CD's you'd be most likely to order.

This will enter your name in our drawing to win a copy of either "Hard To Find Jukebox Classics, 1960 - 1964" or "Three Decades Of Classic Novelty Hits".

And, if you actually PURCHASE three CD's from the website, you'll not only be entered to win a copy of BOTH of these great new CD releases but you'll ALSO get your choice of a free promotional CD right there on the site.

But the deadline is TOMORROW so you've got to have your entry in by then.  Winners will be selected and announced next week.  (kk)

Jim Peterik:  The Songs

I would love to win a copy of Jim's new CD. I have been a fan since the 60's. If only one person could be chosen to represent the rock music of our town, it should be Jim Peterik ... he is simply the best of the best rock music to come out of the city of Chicago.
Mr. Joseph Malin
Math Lab Director
Loyola Academy

Be sure to enter for YOUR chance to win, too ... just drop me an email with the words Jim Peterik:  The Songs in the subject line and we'll throw your name into the proverbial Forgotten Hits Hat!  (kk)

What's The Name Of That Song?

I was surprised that one song that was NOT mentioned in the Sweet 16 and STILL not mentioned as of the Monday comments, as this is a song that has been discussed often over the years on Forgotten Favorites:  "Oh where or where can my baby be??", officially known as "Last Kiss". 

Tim Kubat

Sorry Tim, but that one doesn't qualify ...

Although "Where Or Where Can My Baby Be" may have been the more likely title, check out this verse ...

"I raised her head and when she smiled and said,

'Hold me darlin' for a little while.'

I held her close, I kissed her our last kiss,

I found the love that I knew I would miss."  (kk)

Hi Kent,   
I like this subject ... you are spot on that it would be a fun feature for a radio show.  
Another song that I loved that had a title hidden in the lyrics was, 'Big Yellow Taxi' by Joni Mitchell. Interestingly a lovely song dealing with the very same subject as 'Big Yellow Taxi' was a little gem called 'Tar and Cement' by Verdelle Smith a few years before Joni. Prescient songs dealing with how 'progress' destroyed much of the natural beauty of our youth. 
Hard to find songs: 
'The Song of the Old Mill', a curious little tune that conveys images far beyond its lyrics and exposes the darker side of our imaginations was a tough find.  It was written by David Mamet and is played during the closing credits of the comedy "State and Main" sung by Patti LuPone a longtime Broadway Actress / Singer, and friend of Mamet's. There is a cover available on iTunes but the original can only be gotten by buying the Movie.

Good Job,

CharlieOFD

"Big Yellow Taxi" does, however, appear throughout the lyric so we can't count that one.  I did, however, come up with 98 tracks that do NOT feature the title in the lyrics yet would still be recognized by just about everybody today despite this fact ... so I'd have to say a radio special is imminent!  (kk)

Hi, Kent:  
Lotta fun reading about songs whose titles don't get sung. I see two separate categories: those songs which the writers decide to title cleverly or obliquely, if you will (59th St. Bridge Song, For What It's Worth, etc) and those which come from movies and the name merely reflects the title of that movie for lack of a better name (Unchained Melody). Maybe a third would be tribute types (Danny's Song). Anyhow, mixed and matched, here are a few: 
John Denver - Annie's Song  
James Taylor - Long Ago and Far Away (I have NO idea why he put "and Far Away" in the title.  Wildest guess is that he knows the old, old song Long Ago and Far Away from a Rita Hayworth movie)

and there are probably a whole bunch of movie themes so I'll give a quick sample with a couple of biggies and one older than the oldies. You and the folks could possibly name more, but I think those are the least interesting.

Theme From Shaft

Theme From New York New York

The Song From Moulin Rouge

Playing games with music is fun. Thanks.  
Hil  
Yeah, it's tough with the movie title themes ... One I had on the list was Dionne Warwick's "Theme from 'The Valley of the Dolls'" because it still works since the movie title is never mentioned in the lyrics either.  But then you can really get off track by including, say, "Theme from 'Mahogany'" which shows as "Do You Know Where You Wanna Go" in its parentheses title ... although you won't find the word "mahogany" anywhere in the lyrics.  Soon the list would go on forever!  (Instrumentals don't count either as the lyrics would NEVER be entered in an instrumental!!!)

We've got a couple of jocks on the list interested in putting together some type of radio special so we'll keep you posted on that as to when and where you can listen.  (kk)

This And That:  
>>>I kept hearing the song "Don't Speak" by No Doubt and just HAD to have it.  I must have visited a dozen record stores trying to find that single but it was nowhere to be found.  Turns out it hadn't been released as a single ... and, in checking Joel Whitburn's "Top Pop Records" book right now, I see that it was the first album cut to ever hit #1 on the Billboard Chart.  (In fact, it stayed there for 16 WEEKS ... and charted for an incredible 63 ... that's a year plus!) kk 
You should qualify that comment by specifying that "Don't Speak" was #1 on the Billboard Airplay chart, not the Hot 100.   
– Randy Price  
OK, you just did!  (kk)

And, while we're on the subject of "Don't Speak", I just got this tidbit from FH Reader Tom Cuddy ...

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL: Not Speaking    

Simon was apparently angered by Garfunkel's insulting comments to a London paper last May.

Simon and Garfunkel aren't talking these days.

In an interview with Rolling Stone that focuses on his upcoming album and 2016 tour plans, Paul Simon was asked about playing Forest Hills Tennis Stadium -- which is in the neighborhood where he and Art Garfunkel grew up, and where they played several times. But pressed on whether he'd want to reunite with Garfunkel there -- or anywhere -- Simon bluntly said, "No, out of the question ... We don't even talk."

The last straw apparently was Garfunkel's May, 2015 interview with London's Telegraph, where he seemed to beg Simon for one final reunion. The plea was laced with venom. "How can you walk away from this lucky place on top of the world, Paul? What’s going on with you, you idiot? How could you let that go, jerk?" As if making that kind of verbal mess weren't bad enough, Art agreed with the reporter that Simon might have a "Napolean complex." He recalled that in their days as high school classmates, he felt sorry for Paul because of his height, and he offered love and friendship as a compensation. "And that compensation gesture has created a monster. End of interview." 

When we talked to Art last September, it was clear there was a disconnect, though his comments were more nuanced. We wondered if there might be some kind of event to mark this year's 50th anniversary of "The Sound of Silence" going number-one and turning the guys into stars.

I can hear Art Garfunkel saying those words in my head and I take it as more of an "egg him on" humor that both of these guys have always displayed whenever talk of them getting back together comes up ... not the "venom" this reporter refers to.  But perhaps Paul took it a bit more seriously this time.

When one considers how many times they've reunited since their early '70's breakup, the fans have been very fortunate indeed ... yet I've still never seen them.  (I've seen each separately but never together.)  I would love to have the chance to see one more round of shows ... but obviously that's THEIR decision and not ours.  Too bad, though ... because I think Art's right ... why not take another trip to the top of the world and grab all of the gold you can while you're there!!!  (kk)    

Wow!  Check out this Frank Sinatra Collection that Eagle Rock Entertainment is putting together!

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE

THE FRANK SINATRA COLLECTION

~May 27, 2016~

New York, NY (April 19, 2016) — Continuing the worldwide centennial celebration for legendary entertainer Frank Sinatra, on May 27, 2016, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release a suite of four titles in ‘The Frank Sinatra Collection’. On license from Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE), the definitive collection pulls together some of the finest performances on television and in concert from the greatest entertainer of the 20^th century.  

First in the series is ‘A Man And His Music’ / ‘A Man And His Music Part II’ [$9.98 MSRP] which combines his first two hour-long television specials from the mid-sixties.

Sinatra's first television special, A Man And His Music, broadcast in 1965 on NBC to commemorate Sinatra's 50th birthday. The spectacular performances include favorites "I've Got You Under My Skin," "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "Come Fly With Me" and "The Lady Is A Tramp."

A Man And His Music Part II, with special guest Nancy Sinatra (1966, CBS), thrills from start to finish, with unforgettable performances of signature songs such as "Luck Be A Lady" and "That's Life." Sinatra opens the show with his celebrated Quincy Jones arrangement of "Fly Me To The Moon." Nancy Sinatra, clad from head to toe in pink fringe (and signature boots), sings "Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" and "On Broadway," followed by a series of duets with her father that includes "Downtown," and "These Boots Are Made For Walking."  

Second in the series comes ‘A Man And His Music + Ella + Jobim’ / ‘Francis Albert Sinatra Does His Thing’ / ‘Sinatra’ [MSRP $9.98] which presents three TV specials from the sixties. On the truly memorable A Man And His Music + Ella + Jobim (1967, NBC), the dazzling Ella Fitzgerald performs two equally impressive solo numbers: the haunting "Body And Soul" and the swinging "It's All Right With Me." Fitzgerald is then joined by Sinatra in a historic pairing of the two preeminent vocal talents of the era. The following sequence, particularly treasured by music lovers, is Sinatra's only filmed meeting with Brazilian composer, guitarist, singer Antonio Carlos Jobim, who joins Sinatra for a stunningly intimate medley of the Brazilian composer's classics, including "Change Partners," "I Concentrate On You" and "The Girl From Ipanema." 

Francis Albert Sinatra Does His Thing (1968, CBS) was a memorable night of television on many levels. Having established himself in American households with his previous A Man And His Music specials, Sinatra made a bold move in 1968, in the middle of the civil rights era, with a special celebration of black music and its impact on American popular culture. Highlights include a medley of spirituals sung with Diahann Carroll and a swingin' pop interlude with chart-toppers The 5th Dimension.

In Sinatra (1969, CBS), the final installment in what had become an annual tradition of televised specials, Sinatra casts a backward glance at some of the highlights of a storied career. He also provides a glimpse into his musical future with an early rendition of "My Way," soon to become his personal anthem. 

This collection gathers many classic Sinatra performances including: “Ol’ Man River,” “The Lady Is A Tramp,” “Pennies From Heaven,” “Something,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “Theme From New York, New York,” and many more.

The third release, ‘Sinatra And Friends’ / ‘The Man And His Music’ features TV specials from the seventies and eighties and offers the likes of “For Once In My Life,” ”My Way,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Night And Day,” “Put Your Dreams Away,” and many more [MSRP $9.98].

Spanning multiple genres and featuring some of the leading names in pop and country, the rarely seen special Sinatra And Friends (1977, ABC) offers wall-to-wall performances. Guests include Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Loretta Lynn and John Denver, all of whom return one-by-one for a final embrace with Sinatra as he sings the Paul Anka-penned "Everybody Ought To Be In Love." 

Sinatra: The Man And His Music (1981, NBC), is the final installment of the series, occurring 16 years after the first A Man And His Music special, and a few weeks before his 66th birthday. Working with three different ensembles, including the accompaniment of the legendary Count Basie and his orchestra, performances include George Harrison's "Something," and his climactic "Theme From New York, New York", "Pennies From Heaven," and "The Best Is Yet To Come." 

Concert For The Americas (1982, Showtime) was recorded at the Altos de Chavón Amphitheater, a 5000-seat open-air Greek-style amphitheater in the Dominican Republic. This 90-minute epic performance features the legendary Buddy Rich on drums and a special guest appearance by guitarist Tony Mottola on a memorable rendition of "Send In The Clowns." This is the first-ever U.S. DVD release of this spectacular concert.

Packed with his incredible renditions of the songs that he made famous, ‘The Frank Sinatra Collection’ is a must for any Sinatra fan.

Click here to view “Come Fly With Me” from A Man And His Music - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/k2R07Mvlwajlj9gXYIg

FULL TRACKLISTING INFORMATION

A MAN AND HIS MUSIC / A MAN AND HIS MUSIC PART II

A MAN AND HIS MUSIC

1) I’ve Got You Under My Skin   2) Without A Song   3) Don’t Worry ‘Bout Me   4) I Get A Kick Out Of You   5) Nancy   6) My Kind Of Town   7) Medley: It Was A Very Good Year / Young At Heart / The Girl Next Door / Last Night When We Were Young   8) This Is All I Ask   9) Come Fly With Me   10) The Lady Is A Tramp   11) I’ve Got The World On A String   12) Witchcraft   13) You Make Me Feel So Young   14) Put Your Dreams Away

A MAN AND HIS MUSIC PART II with special guest NANCY SINATRA

1) Fly Me To The Moon   2) The Most Beautiful Girl In The World   3) Moonlight In Vermont   4) You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You   5) Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) – NANCY SINATRA   6) On Broadway – NANCY SINATRA   7) Yes Sir, That’s My Baby – FRANK & NANCY SINATRA   8) Medley: Downtown / These Boots Are Made For Walking – FRANK & NANCY SINATRA   9) Medley: Just One Of Those Things / My Heart Stood Still / But Beautiful / When Your Lover Has Gone   10) Luck Be A Lady   11) That’s Life   12) Granada   13) My Kind Of Town   14) Put Your Dreams Away

A MAN AND HIS MUSIC + ELLA + JOBIM / FRANCIS ALBERT SINATRA DOES HIS THING / SINATRA

A MAN AND HIS MUSIC + ELLA + JOBIM with special guests ELLA FITZGERALD and ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM

1) Day In, Day Out   2) Get Me To The Church On Time   3) What Now My Love   4) Ol’ Man River   5) Body And Soul – ELLA FITZGERALD   6) It’s All Right With Me – ELLA FITZGERALD   7) Medley: How High The Moon / Up, Up And Away / Look Out For Jimmy Valentine / Theme To Tony Rome / Goody Goody / Don’t Cry Joe / Ode To Billie Joe / Goin’ Out Of My Head – FRANK SINATRA & ELLA FITZGERALD   8) Medley: Change Partners / I Concentrate On You / The Girl From Ipanema – FRANK SINATRA & ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM   9) Medley: The Song Is You / They Can’t Take That Away From Me / Stompin’ At The Savoy / At Long Last Love – FRANK SINATRA & ELLA FITZGERALD   10) Don’t Be That Way – ELLA FITZGERALD   11) The Lady Is A Tramp – FRANK SINATRA & ELLA FITZGERALD   12) Put Your Dreams Away

FRANCIS ALBERT SINATRA DOES HIS THING with special guests DIAHANN CARROLL and THE 5^TH DIMENSION

1) Hello Young Lovers   2) Baubles, Bangles And Beads   3) Cycles   4) The Music That Makes Me Dance – DIAHANN CARROLL   5) Where Am I Going – DIAHANN CARROLL   6) Medley: Diane / Deep River / Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child / Lonesome Road / Nobody Know The Trouble I’ve Seen / Amen – FRANK SINATRA & DIAHANN CARROLL   7) Medley: Glad To Be Unhappy / Here’s That Rainy Day / It Never Entered My Mind / Gone With The Wind   8) It’s A Great Life – THE 5^TH DIMENSION   9) Stoned Soul Picnic – THE 5^TH DIMENSION   10) Sweet Blindness – FRANK SINATRA & THE 5^TH DIMENSION   11) Nice ‘N’ Easy   12) (How Little It Matters) How Little We Know   13) Lost In The Stars   14) Angel Eyes   15) Put Your Dreams Away

SINATRA featuring DON COSTA & HIS ORCHESTRA

1) For Once In My Life   2) Please Be Kind   3) My Way   4) Film Clip Medley including song highlights of: I Couldn’t Sleep A Wink Last Night / You’re Sensational / All The Way   5) The Tender Trap   6) Little Green Apples   7) Out Beyond The Window   8) A Man Alone   9) Didn’t We   10) Forget To Remember   11) Fly Me To The Moon   12) Street Of Dreams   13) Love’s Been Good To Me   14) Goin’ Out Of My Head   15) My Kind Of Town

SINATRA AND FRIENDS / THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC

SINATRA AND FRIENDS

1) Where Or When – with all guests   2) I’ve Got You Under My Skin   3) I Get A Kick Out Of You – FRANK SINATRA & NATALIE COLE   4) I’ve Got Love On My Mind – NATALIE COLE   5) If I Were A Rich Man – ROBERT MERRILL   6) The Oldest Established Floating Crap Game – FRANK SINATRA, DEAN MARTIN & ROBERT MERRILL   7) She’s Got You – LORETTA LYNN   8) All Or Nothing At All – FRANK SINATRA & LORETTA LYNN   9) One – TONY BENNETT   10) My Kind Of Town – FRANK SINATRA & TONY BENNETT   11) I Honestly Love You – LESLIE UGGAMS   12) The Lady Is A Tramp – FRANK SINATRA & LESLIE UGGAMS   13) My Sweet Lady – JOHN DENVER   14) September Song – FRANK SINATRA & JOHN DENVER   15) Night And Day   16) Everybody Ought To Be In Love   17) Put Your Dreams Away

THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC with the COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA

1) Intro / (This Is A) Lovely Way To Spend An Evening (instrumental)   2) Nice ‘N’ Easy   3) The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else   4) Pennies From Heaven   5) I Loved Her   6) The Girl From Ipanema (featuring TONY MOTTOLA on guitar)   7) At Long Last Love   8) Something   9) Monday Morning  Quarterback   10) The Best Is Yet To Come   11) (We Had A) Good Thing Going   12) Say Hello   13) I Get A Kick Out Of You   14) Theme From New York, New York   15) Thanks For The Memory

CONCERT FOR THE AMERICAS

1) I’ve Got The World On A String   2) I Get A Kick Out Of You   3) Come Rain Or Come Shine   4) When Your Lover Has Gone   5) The Lady Is A Tramp   6) The House I Live In   7) Prologue / Jet Song – BUDDY RICH   8) Searching   9) My Kind Of Town   10) Something   11) The Best Is Yet To Come   12) Strangers In The Night   13) All Or Nothing At All   14) The Gal That Got Away / It Never Entered My Mind   15) I’ve Got You Under My Skin   16) Send In The Clowns – with TONY MOTTOLA on guitar   17) Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (Corovado) – with TONY MOTTOLA on guitar   18) I Won’t Dance   19) Theme From New York, New York 

About Frank Sinatra

Throughout his nine-decade career, Frank Sinatra performed on more than 1,400 recordings and was awarded 31 gold, nine platinum, three double platinum and one triple platinum album by the Recording Industry Associated of America. He extends his record to 57 for the most top 40 albums on the Billboard 200 with this year’s new Ultimate Sinatra release. Sinatra has had Top 40 hits on the charts for eight decades, which is as long as the Billboard charts have existed. He received nine GRAMMY Awards over the course of his career, including three for the prestigious Album of the Year, and an Oscar. Sinatra demonstrated a remarkable ability to appeal to every generation and continues to do so; his artistry still influences many of today’s music superstars. He also appeared in more than 60 films and produced eight motion pictures.

Sinatra was awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy, The Screen Actors Guild and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the Kennedy Center Honors, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. Today, he remains a legend and an inspiration around the world for his contributions to culture and the arts. 

About Frank Sinatra Enterprises (FSE)

Frank Sinatra Enterprises is a joint venture between the Sinatra family and Warner Music Group. FSE owns Sinatra’s recordings from the Reprise era as well as a treasure trove of films, television specials and unreleased footage, photos and audio recordings, which collectively represent one of the foremost bodies of artistic work of the modern era.  FSE also owns and manages Sinatra’s name and likeness rights and represents the artist’s rights to the Columbia and Capitol catalogues.  FSE pursues innovative new product and venture opportunities with respect to the legendary entertainer’s name and likeness, as well as Sinatra’s audio and visual recordings. (www.sinatra.com)

Kent, 
Let me tell you ... IF YOU EVER GET THE CHANCE TO SEE A PRESENTATION (not strictly a concert) BY PETER ASHER, CHAD AND JEREMY ... RUN, DO NOT WALK TO GET TICKETS!

Shelley

Hoping to do exactly that at this year's Fest For Beatles Fans when it hits Chicago in August.  We were fortunate enough to see Peter and Gordon the last time we attended one of these (several years ago) and it was outstanding.  This is something I would NOT want to miss!  (kk)

The Animals should be on Eric Records.  Do you think Eric Burdon will sing "Spill The Wine" at The City Winery?

Frank B.

I'd say it's an absolute certainty!!! (kk)

By the way, you can catch Eric Burdon and the Animals at Chicago's City Winery on September 26th and September 28th ... more ticket information here:

http://www.citywinery.com/chicago/tickets.html