Ten years have gone by since the death of music superstar Frank Sinatra (May 14) and although there are many wannabes trying to make it to the big time, it is comforting that many use Frank's high standards to set their goals but few if any make it. There are those who are unique vocalists from the big band era who are still performing and people go to see them because they don't sound like Sinatra, Dick Haymes, Bob Eberly, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Jill Corey or Helen Forrest. Indeed, they have the gift of sounding like themselves! I'm talking about big band vocalist Harry Prime who sang with the Ralph Flanagan, Tommy Dorsey, Randy Brooks and Jack Fina orchestras and remarkably, at age 88, he continues to entertain folks at a little Italian bistro called The Roasted Pepper in Chalfont, PA. 'Pretty Perky Peggy King' (dubbed by late comedian George Gobel) who sang with the Charlie Spivack and Ralph Flanagan bands is still going strong, working on a new CD and making personal appearances in the Philadelphia, PA area. Why Letterman doesn't grab this talented singer for a guest performance is beyond me. Both include Sinatra standards in their repertoire and both retain their unique original style without 'sounding like' some other singer. Like Frank Sinatra, these two deserve 'National Treasure' status for their endurance through the years. For the record, check out Peggy King's website at www.peggyking.org and click on Guest Book and Google Harry Prime and hit the first heading for his impressive resume. Ageless Jill Corey can be checked out on www.jillcorey.drw.net.
As for Frank, he can be heard on Sirius Satellite Radio on a regular basis and the USPS just issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honor (his fabulous image complete with hat) to which Sinatra fans world-wide give their stamp of approval! Finally, a new book titled 'Sinatra-You Only Thought You Knew Him' by Ted Schwarz and Nick Sevano hits bookstores this June. It promises to be a mixed bag of the good, the bad and wonderful vignettes about Ole Blue Eyes. So here we are again ten years later on May 14 and yes, we certainly do miss you Frank.
Herb Stark
Post a Comment