[Bob in Boston]

Tina Sinatra Laments the Loss of Her Dad Frank and the Death of Rat Pack Cool - Spinner

Sinatra's daughter Tina, who helps oversee her father's legacy, sums up the Rat Pack's enduring appeal by simply stating, "They're beyond everything we've ever seen before or since. They're just a treasure to be passed on." In a candid interview, Tina talks about hanging out with the Rat Pack, why they hated that nickname and what she misses most about her dad, who died in 1998.

See also in Frank's Recordings: The Very Best of the Rat Pack

[SYLMML]

Thanks Bob...interesting read. It is good to hear from Tina.

[George Lyons]

Just read it, always good to hear the truth about the Sinatra's directly from the source, the Family.

[David]

Thanks, Bob, posted it to my Facebook page! Great to learn that Nancy's working on a documentary with Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy. That might have been discussed elsewhere here, but it's news to me.

[Josh]

Really interesting interview, great to hear about the movie and documentary devlopments, exciting stuff!

[Rhodalee]

Isn't that video with Johnny Carson the lost one? I think it is, I won tickets to the Museum of TV and Radio to see this.

[NickfromPhilly]

Hi Rho: The video clip in Tina's article is from the Dismas House Benefit, at Kiel Opra House in St. Louis, MO. The date was June 20th, 1965, (Tina's 17th Birthday). Johnny Carson flew in from NY, to sub for Joey Bishop, who had injured his back (Johnny's explanation after he was introduced as MC).

(NOTE: I'm doing this from memory, so I hope that I have the following facts and information correct.)

This was a benefit concert (that Frank wanted to do), in honor of the charitable work of Father Charles Dismas Clark (of St. Louis). Clark's pet project was the rehabilitation of convicts. Father Clark's nickname was "The Hoodlum Priest," solely based on his efforts to assist prisoners trying to establish a new life. Father Clark was portrayed by actor Don Murray, in a movie entitled "The Hoodlum Priest." It was released in 1961.

The show was originally billed as the Frank Sinatra Spectacular, and was shown "live" as it happened, in select theaters. Harold Gibbons, and the brotherhood of Teamsters also particpated. This show turned into a real "family trip." Nancy Sinatra, Sr. who was also along, was present in "the wings," along with (whom I believe to be, is) actress/singer Kay Stevens.

Dean opened the show, Sammy followed. Frank came out and did about 40 minutes, then the three & Johnny "kibbitzed" and did impressions for almost 20 minutes more. The show also featured two orchestras, a house band, and the Count Basie Orchestra (conducted by a very young, Quincy Jones). We're all so fortunate to have this concert, this piece of "Rat Pack History," on DVD. Bristol Productions Limited Partnership released it as part of "Live & Swingin - The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection.

This "Birth of the Blues" number is often billed as "Carson's Singing Debut." It's not. Johnny sang with Pearl Bailey, on the Tonight Show in 1962, and their duet was hysterical.

[Bob in Boston]

Originally Posted by Rhodalee

Isn't that video with Johnny Carson the lost one?

As Nick stated, the DVD was released in 2003: Live And Swingin': The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection

[Rhodalee]

My mistake. I really thought it was the one that was lost.

[Tricia]

Just read the interview with Tina, myself. Came here to post but was posted already...naturally. Loved watching the videos.

Hiya Rhoadlee!! Love to All!!!

[George Lyons]

Hey, Tricia - nice to see you!

[ARIES3032]

It is certainly good to hear from Tina.

[Gailann]

I was surfing the web yesterday and Tina's interview came up and I really enjoyed it so much-I was angered at some of the negative posts that followed and was going to post some kind of rebuttal, but then I considered the ignorance of such people and did not. Nice job

[Lourdes]

It's nice to know that Nancy's documentary is arriving.

[Bren]

Enjoyed reading that and loved the video, thanks for putting it up Bob

[Tina...]

Thanks for posting this Bob , I really enjoyed reading it, although I shed a little tear with the mention of Frank, brought thoughts of my own father and how much I miss him.

[Bob in Boston]

Originally Posted by Gailann

I was angered at some of the negative posts that followed and was going to post some kind of rebuttal, but then I considered the ignorance of such people and did not.

Such people are either clueless or naturally malicious, or both. It does make you want to scream, doesn't it? What usually bothers me most are the tone-deaf morons who say he couldn't sing. I did notice at least one rebuttal from a familiar forum name.

[Margo]

That was an interesting article to read and answered at least one question about the Scorcese film. What a shame people are so nasty in the comments following, they haven't got a clue!

[ScottSG]

Thanks Bob, great stuff.
I recently started streaming Netflix and was so excited to see a Rat Pack show available...well, until I started watching it. I really should've read the description carefully... It was a "tribute" show.

[NickfromPhilly]

Originally Posted by Bob in Boston

Such people are either clueless or naturally malicious, or both. It does make you want to scream, doesn't it? What usually bothers me most are the tone-deaf morons who say he couldn't sing......

Anyone who thinks that Frank Sinatra couldn't sing, must have Van Gogh's ear for music!