Sinatra and Good Music Synonymous
by Edward A. Palladino, Daily Freeman, August 27, 1975
‘Chairman of Board’ Wows ‘Em at SPAC
His once jet-black hair is now white around the edges; there is a noticeable protrusion around the mid-section and the voice that has thrilled millions for more than 30 years is minus the pitch and range and at times sounds frazzled.
Yet, Francis Albert Sinatra managed to entertain several thousand of his loyal fans Monday at the Performing Arts Center. He did it with the flair that has made him the nation’s top male vocalist for as far back as one dares to remember.
The “Chairman of the Board,” a title bestowed on Sinatra several years ago by famed disc jockey William B. Williams, did his thing for nearly 90 minutes and the crowd loved it. Sinatra’s thing is singing. And sing he did.
His music was drawn from all eras of his lengthy career. “Nice and Easy,” “But Beautiful,” “Chicago,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Nancy With the Laughing Face” and “My Way.” It was Sinatra music at its best and he brought back the memories.
Sinatra revolutionized popular singing back in the 1940s and lifted it to the level of art. He is not the same Sinatra today but you couldn’t notice much difference.
It rained halfway through the performance but the wet weather didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of those sitting outside the giant center. They were there to see their guy sing in his way.
The Hoboken, N.J. native was preceded on the stage by the Four Steps and comedian Pat Henry. Don Costa conducted the orchestra.
Sinatra landed at Ballston Spa airport after flying from New York City. He arrived at the center shortly after nine.
It was the first appearance at the 10-year old Performing Arts Center for the man who in the summer of 1967 set an attendance box office mark with a historic seven-city, nine-concert tour which grossed more than $1.1 million.
Even if he did most of his singing from memory, those in attendance will testify that the memory is a good one. Sinatra and good music are synonymous, even more than 30 years after he became a star.
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