[Nancy]

Hi Nancy,

I just fixed the “Sunday”/”It’s Sunday” problem…. with a 2 second click of the mouse. The correct song will play in the McCarver encore on Saturday.

I don’t visit the Family Forum as often as I’d like. So, please let everyone know that sending me a message there when it relates to something erroneous on the channel might not be as effective as we’d like. They can write to me at lou.simon@siriusxm.com anytime.

When the quality of our shows or general broadcast is in question, the sooner I know about it, the faster it gets fixed.

Lou

[Leigh Ann]

Playing Favorites with Tony Renaud
Mon., 9/26 at 6:00 pm ET, Tues., 9/27 at 9:00 pm ET, Thurs., 9/29 at 9:00 am ET, Sat., 10/1 at 3:00 pm ET

This week tune into Sirius/XM for a brand new edition of Playing Favorites, hosted by Tony Renaud.

Tony Renaud's Selections:
Ring-a-Ding Ding
Tina
The Lady is a Tramp
Where or When (Duet with Steve & Eydie)
Spice - FS Jr.
Star!
There Used to be a Ballpark
I Thought About You - Sylvia Syms
All or Nothing at All - FS Disco Version 1977
Me and My Shadow (Duet with Sammy Davis, Jr.)
Guys and Dolls - (Duet with Dean Martin)
My Foolish Heart
I'll be Seeing You (1961 Version)

[Mark Blackburn]

Before playing "Larry King's favorite Sinatra tune -- THERE USED TO BE A BALLPARK, this week's "Playing Favorites" host, Tony Renaud shared a Sinatra anecdote I'd not heard before -- and it went straight to my heart.

Just as a personal aside, for 22 years, in my previous incarnation as a radio/TV broadcast journalist, I'd gotten my share of "dream interviews" (with the likes of Muhammed Ali, Jane Fonda, Ringo Starr) and could relate to a young Larry King hoping against hope that he might interview Frank Sinatra.

I thought, as I listened to Mr. Renaud of an anecdote Nancy shared with us about a week ago -- a little story about “Crossword Puzzles.” I was so happy about this little ‘God is in the details’ story, I commented,

"I love our favorite singer even more . . . because of this wonderful note from "Francis Albert" to "Gene" the puzzler. As someone who once had 50 words from Frank Sinatra directed my way in a note of appreciation (for a two-page letter I'd written back at Christmas time 1992) I know what if feels like to be a recipient of such thoughtfulness! Thanks, Nancy for sharing this."

And it happened again, a moment ago, when Mr. Renaud recalled Larry King telling him about the “very first time he interviewed Frank Sinatra” on his Florida radio show. It would never have happened without the ‘intervention’ of (one of my entertainment heroes) Jackie Gleason.

Gleason asked his new friend Larry King who he would “most like to interview” and without a moment’s hesitation Larry said, “Frank Sinatra!” To which Jackie Gleason said, matter-of-factly it was something he could arrange. And so he did. Frank showed up “five minutes before air time” to do the interview.

A delighted young Larry King asked him “first question” why he was doing the interview (Larry was then unknown, except on Florida radio). And “Mr. Sinatra” told him the story of the time he was “playing the Copa” and “fell ill.” And that “on a minute’s notice,” his friend Jackie Gleason flew in to sub for him.

“I owe you, big time,” he told his friend Jackie, promising to return the favour. From then on, Jackie used to preface all his subsequent phone calls to Frank with, “this is NOT the favour!” Maybe he never would have – until his new friend and aspiring radio show host Larry King told him his wildest dream interview.

“Frank THIS is the favour,” said Gleason when he finally made the call, having found, in his new friend Larry, the right 'moment' (reason) to ask his older friend Frank Sinatra for a 'favor.'

[S'cuse me, I have something in my eye]

[Leigh Ann]

Playing Favorites with Robert Wagner
Mon, 10/3 at 6:00 pm ET, Tues., 10/4 at 9:00 pm ET, Thurs., 10/6 at 9:00 am ET, Sat., 10/8 at 3:00 pm ET



Tune in this week for an encore presentation of Playing Favorites hosted by Robert Wagner, actor and close Sinatra friend. He'll share some of his favorite Sinatra recordings and memories in this all Sinatra show.

Robert Wagner's Selections:
I've Got the World on a String
Here’s That Rainy Day
The Way You Look tonight
The Lady is a Tramp
When No One Cares
A Garden in the Rain
Girl from Ipanema – FS & Jobim
I’ve Got a Crush on You
Oh You Crazy Moon
Nice ‘n Easy
Put your Dreams Away

[Mark Blackburn]

I came here to leave a quick note of appreciation for actor Robert Wagner's 'all Sinatra' selections, but especially the least known (I'm sure he had his own reasons to single out "A Garden in the Rain" from "Great Songs From Great Britain" for inclusion with all those well-known classics -- definitive renditions -- of "Here's That Rainy Day" and "The Way You Look Tonight" (two of my all-time favorites from the Reprise years).

But for the second time (I remember transcribing his same introduction when I first heard this enjoyable show) I found myself writing out Mr. Wagner's thoughts on "fantastic" breath control, and the way our favorite singer sang in "live" performance directly to each member of the audience.

This isn't the place to recite from memory that modest little poem that became a "Garden in the Rain" but I was compelled to 'celebrate' it elsewhere this day. With the moderator's indulgence (hope the family here enjoys). Thanks again, Mr. Wagner for your thoughtful selections and anedcotes.

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...6#post44080991

[sschweiger]

RJ's selection of Sinatrarama is pure class! Wouldn't expect anything less from this classy gentleman & STAR!

[Leigh Ann]

Playing Favorites with Tony Hadley
Mon. 10/10 at 6:00 pm ET, Tues., 10/11 at 9:00 pm ET, Thurs., 10/13 at 9:00 am ET, Sat., 10/15 at 3:00 pm ET

British singer Tony Hadley takes over hosting duties this week for an all new edition of Playing Favorites!
(I've been waiting anxiously for this one to happen. Thank you, Lou!)

Tony is lead singer for Spandau Ballet and has released several solo recordings, including "Passing Strangers", which features some songs from the Great American Songbook. Tune in to hear Tony play some of his favorite Sinatra songs, a few selections by some of his other favorite artists, and one of his own recordings.

Tony Hadley's Selections:
All the Way - FS
From Russia with Love - Matt Monro
That's Life - FS
There Must be a Way - Frankie Vaughan
The Best is Yet to Come - Tony Bennett
One for My Baby - FS
Love for Sale - Ella Fitzgerald
Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered - Jack Jones
I've Got You Under My Skin - FS
Candy Man - Sammy Davis, Jr.
Music to Watch Girls By - Andy Williams
My Kind of Town - FS
That's Amore - Dean Martin
Cabaret - Liza Minelli
My Way - FS
The Mood I'm In - Tony Hadley

[Leigh Ann]

This show was amazing and I enjoyed it more than I can say! Thank you Lou!!!

What a delightful show...I loved hearing Tony talk about meeting Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra! Tony met Frank when he was 17 at Albert Hall. What a great story.

If you haven't heard Tony's "Passing Strangers" CD, you are missing a treat. His voice is gorgeous and so well suited to this music. My favorite song on the CD is "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered". It's amazing! I was hoping he would include that on his show, but alas, he played Jack Jones' recording of it. (Of course I love Jack Jones, but....) Tony's recording of that song is my favorite version.

[Mark Blackburn]

“You gotta have dreams and ambitions,” said Tony Hadley. ‘Who’s he?’ I thought – ‘Where have I heard his name before?’ Then I remembered: Minus the ‘Cockney’ accent (sounding very ‘mid-Atlantic’ as British and Canadian radio announcers used to say) Tony Hadley is another overlooked singer that Siriusly Sinatra’s “Jersey Lou” Simon has been giving well-deserved airplay lately.

[Thanks for the heads-up, Leigh Ann -- I'll be sure to get his album!]

I'd remembered hearing Tony Hadley’s version (my favorite) of THE MOOD I’M IN – which he performs to a great jazz band arrangement: “great swing musicians,” as he said, using it as his show closer on today's re-play.

With his endearing, 'East-ender accent, (and by way of introducing Frank's definitive rendition of MY KIND OF TOWN) Tony Hadley told us of the time when he was 17, the very good year he got to see Frank Sinatra at London’s storied Albert Hall. (Londoners always call it “The Albert Hall” never simply, “Albert Hall.”)

“I won’t tell you how I got in,” Tony said with a chuckle, “’by-hook-or-by-crook’! – but I did, and I knew the moment Frank Sinatra finished singing he would wiz out the back door of the stage.

I made my move and followed him, seconds later; he was surrounded by these big guys – ‘minders’ – and one of them pushed me away as I said,

’S’cuse me, Mr. Sinatra?’

He said, ‘Hold it guys’ and let me speak with him and say, ‘What a great show! My Mum’s outside, she absolutely LOVES you!’ And he says,

‘What do you do, son?’

I said, ‘I’m still in school, and it’s my ambition to be a singer! And one day, I’d like to be at the Albert Hall too!’

And he said, ‘Good on you, son! It’s nice to see some young people coming to the shows.’

(Which is just what I say to young people now! – I’m 51.) And he was just . . . really, really charming! He shook my hand and said,

‘Good luck to you, son.’

Six years later I was on the stage at the Albert Hall playing with the Spandau Ballet and doing a concert that was ‘sold out’! So I fulfilled the dream. One of the best highlights of my life came true with Frank Sinatra!”

[sschweiger]

Thanks, Leigh Ann, for your terrific intro to Tony Hadley & his excellent "Playing Favorites." "Jersey Lou" also gets kudos from "Jersey Stan!" Any show that features Ella's remarkable "Love For Sale (an amazing Buddy Bregman chart!)" is special! I just ordered the "Passing Strangers" CD, and am greatly looking forward to "experiencing" it!

[Dina]

I really enjoyed Tony's show. He's a fantastic singer and I loved his story about meeting FS when he was 17.

[Leigh Ann]

So glad y'all enjoyed Tony! I know I did! Stanley you will love Tony's "Passing Strangers" album. And Mark, you are right about his endearing accent.

[Leigh Ann]

Playing Favorites with Liza Minelli
Mon., 10/17 at 6:00 pm ET, Tues., 10/18 at 9:00 pm ET, Thurs., 10/20 at 9:00 am ET, Sat., 10/22 at 3:00 pm ET


Liza Minelli's Selections:
I've Got The World On A String (duet with Liza Minnelli) - Capitol 1993
All My Tomorrows - Reprise 1969
In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning - Capitol 1955
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Capitol 1958
It Was A Very Good Year - Reprise 1965
Angel Eyes - Capitol 1958
Judy Garland – Liza
Liza Minnelli – I Love A Violin
Liza Minnelli – I Would Never Leave You
Nice 'N' Easy - Capitol 1960
Softly, As I Leave You - Reprise 1964
(Theme From) New York, New York [intro: New York, New York (A Helluva Town)] - Live 1982
Maybe This Time - Live 1978
High Hopes - Capitol 1959

[Leigh Ann]

Sue Raney Playing Favorites
Mon., 10/24 at 6:00 pm ET, Tues., 10/25 at 9:00 pm ET, Thurs., 10/27 at 9:00 am ET, Sat., 10/29 at 3:00 pm ET



This week, jazz and cabaret singer Sue Raney hosts a new edition of "Playing Favorites".

Sue Raney's Selections:
Only the LonelyIf He Walked Into My Life - Edie Gorme
The Ballad of the Sad Young Men - Steve Lawrence
Days of Wine and Roses
You Must Believe in Spring - Sue Raney
Their Hearts Were Full of Spring - The Four Freshmen
Hey! Jealous Lover
Learnin' the Blues
Que Sera, Sera - Sue Raney
Nice 'N' Easy
Pick Yourself Up - Nat King Cole
It Was a Very Good Year
What am I Here For? - Ella Fitzgerald
There Used to be a Ballpark - Sue Raney
All the Way

[Nancy]

Thanks, Leigh Ann. Sue doesn't seem to be much of a Frank fan.

[Leigh Ann]

I noticed that, Nancy.

[Mark Blackburn]

I always mean to thank "Jersey Lou" Simon for introducing me to "new favorite" versions of old songs, including those I never heard before by Nancy!

A moment ago, just before today’s “The Chairman’s Hour” channel 71 played my new favorite version of Cole Porter’s sexiest song, LET’S DO IT -- a really witty arrangement (who wrote it, I wonder?) and terrific delivery by Nancy, of Porter’s great laundry list of sexual allusions!

My favorite stanzas? It varies, depending who’s singing this great old song, but Nancy made me chuckle at her smiling delivery of the 'fishy' stanza:

“Romantic sponges, they say do it,
oysters down in Oyster Bay do it . . .
Old Cape Cod clams -- ‘gainst their wish -- do it,
even gooey jellyfish do it!


At song’s end, when Nancy reverts to the spoken word and says,

“Aw, c’mon! Let’s fall in love!”

The entire band, all male voices, shouts: “We’d LOVE to!”

NANCY: Well?
BAND: No can DO!
NANCY: Why?
BAND: Our wives wouldn’t like it!!
NANCY: Oh.

Incidentally, over at the ‘world’s biggest website for musicians’ (in their “songwriting” folder where I have a ‘blog’ that’s about to turn a quarter million “views”) I never miss an opportunity to plug ‘SiriuslySinatra’ as the best place to get a musical education.

Today I ‘celebrated’ a lyric by my compatriot Gene Lees, “whose words graced four or five of the songs on the Frank Sinatra/Antonio Carlos Jobim album” (including ‘Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars’) and from whom jazz piano giant Bill Evans commissioned a lyric for his instrumental tribute to a young niece, “Waltz for Debby.” I opened today with an anecdote:

“Where have they (good song writers) all gone?” Nancy Sinatra asked recently – in conversation on her satellite radio show with her co-host Chuck Granata (who literally wrote the book on Sinatra’s role as de facto producer of all his own recording sessions). Nancy’s rhetorical question recalled a “quote “from a Queen,” relayed to us by lyricist Gene Lees:

“When Queen Victoria complained to [English Prime Minister] William Gladstone that there were ‘not many good preachers,’ he said: ‘Ma’am, there are not many good ANYTHING.”

This isn’t the place to quote song lyrics, so with the moderator’s indulgence, a link. Hope the family enjoys!

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/...-vocals/page28

[sschweiger]

Thanks, as usual, Leigh Ann! Am looking forward to hearing Sue's anecdotes and takes. Eunice and I spent many evenings enjoying the musical stylings of Sue Raney, Carol Sloane, Irene Kral, Astrud Gilberto, Marilyn Maye (who's still singing a storm), Weslia Whitfield, Jamie deRoot, Marlene VerPlanck, Gogi Grant -- solid, talented singers who have kept watch over TGAS with devotion and taste!

[Leigh Ann]

Playing Favorites with Sam Arlen
Mon, 10/31 at 6:00 pm ET, Tues., 11/1 at 9:00 pm ET, Thurs., 11/3 at 9:00 pm ET, Sat., 11/5 at 3:00 pm ET



Tune into Sirius/XM for an encore of "Playing Favorites" hosted by Sam Arlen, saxophonist and son of beloved Great American Songbook composer, Harold Arlen. You'll hear him share memories and reflections on some of his dad's most beloved songs on this all Sinatra show.

Sam Arlen's Selections:
Last Night When We Were Young - Capitol 1954
One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) - Capitol 1958
Come Rain Or Come Shine - Radio/V-Disc 1946
It's Only A Paper Moon - Capitol 1960
Stormy Weather (with The Ken Lane Singers) - Columbia 1944
My Shining Hour - Reprise 1979
I've Got The World On A String - Capitol 1953
Ill Wind - Capitol 1955
Blues In The Night - Capitol 1958
The Gal That Got Away - Capitol 1954
That Old Black Magic - Capitol 1961
Don't Like Goodbyes - Capitol 1956
I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues - Capitol 1962
Over The Rainbow (with The Ken Lane Singers) - Columbia 1945

[Nancy]

Thanks, Leigh Ann.