The recent postal increases left some people confused. Raising stamp prices for a penny? However, that changed for me when I saw the newest 42 cent stamp. Seeing the magnificent image of Old Blue Eyes made me smile.
Frank Sinatra was a musical icon. Very few people have come that close to achieving what he did. Not only that, but the man looked great in hats. Sinatra had great personal style and was loved by all who knew and worked with him. Not only that, but he was generous to those who helped him. He was known for extravagant gifts to friends and people who helped him.
My favorite Sinatra song is “New York, New York”. My mother so loved Sinatra that she wanted to name her sister Mona Lisa and she really held out for that name. However, my aunt ended up the name Suzie. Once I asked Bella, my friend Margie’s mother, about seeing Sinatra in concert. I said “What was it like to see Sinatra?” Bella replied, “It was like seeing God.” Reviews like that are what separate icons like Sinatra from regular performers.
While working in the Chairman’s Office at EMI Records Group, I had the good fortune to work on the Sinatra “Duets” album. I didn’t work with Sinatra directly of course, but worked with the art people, managers, etc. I remember the day that Leroy Neiman dropped off the art work (he did the cover). We were all excited to see what Neiman had come up with and loved the results.
The Sinatra stamp is one stamp that I won’t mind purchasing. In fact, I don’t think I’ll mind paying bills as much if I can see Frank’s smiling face looking back up at me.
By: Polly Singer
