Frank Sinatra and Friends : 60 Greatest Old Time Radio Shows [Audio Cassette]

Frank Sinatra (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 11, 2000

Frank Sinatra is widely acclaimed as "the Voice of the Century". Though he later conquered recordings, films and television, it was radio that first made "ol'Blue Eyes" a susperstar. Radio Spirits proudly presents the classic radio shows that introduced the world to "the greatest male vocalist in the history of popular music".

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Action Music (July 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570192030
• ISBN-13: 978-1570192036
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.2 x 2.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,769,675 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Books on Cassette > Radio Shows

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lot more varied than you might guess, August 15, 2000

By 

F. Behrens "Frank Behrens" (Keene, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frank Sinatra and Friends : 60 Greatest Old Time Radio Shows (Audio Cassette)

<60 Greatest Old-Time Radio Shows Starring Frank Sinatra and Friends> is a monumental memorial to a showbiz phenomenon. Radio Spirits has issued this collection in two formats: 20 audio cassettes each holding 90 minutes of material (usually 3 half-hour shows) and 30 CDs each holding 60 minutes. This last is an improvement over other tape/CD issues in which the latter had to be abridged to fit in the shows what the corresponding tape could easily hold without cuts.

Some of the shows here have only a fleeting visit by Sinatra, others have him in short sketches, still others as co-star, and a few as the star himself. For example, he plays a major role when guesting on a Burns &Allen Show but is the star of his own series, "Rocky Fortune," of which this collection offers four episodes. These episodes, by the way, are a good example of Sinatra in his bad years after MGM fired him because of an unfortunate remark he made about the studio head's mistress. They work very well as light comedy mysteries but certainly do not call for any great acting skills. At his nadir, he substituted for Bill Stern in the Sports Newsreel series and did a very good job as narrator.

He is heard in several dramatic roles in "Suspense" and "Lux Radio Theater," and a good deal of jokes are made about his possibly receiving and later his actually receiving an Academy Award for his role in "From Here to Eternity." Included in his many comic guest spots with Fred Allen, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen, Joan Davis, and Martin & Lewis are endless "skinny" jokes, none of which seem to be repeated except possibly the one about being buried in the back yard by the family dog.

Naturally, you will hear a good deal of his vocalizing, once even with Lou Costello, and that is pretty much the raison d'etre of this collection. And if you have to listen to "Nancy With the Laughing Face" three times, well that is what fathers are for.

The question is whether to purchase the tapes or CDs. I have both. I heard all the tapes in my car and will use the CDs for my classes because of the direct access feature. However the CDs are packaged in such a way that you must touch the surfaces in removing them from their plastic envelopes--and drivers should take note that you need two hands to do so.

As a postscript, I should add that you don't have to be a particular fan of Sinatra to enjoy this collection. You get "A Date With Judy," "Command Performance," "Life With Luigi," a "Savings Bond Show," and so many other radio gems that still linger in the memories of us older crowd--and some that would be totally forgotten were it not for such Radio Spirit compilations as this one.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SERIOUS SINATRA FANS MUST HAVE!!, September 14, 2000

By 

John G. Paradise (Guilford, Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Frank Sinatra and Friends : 60 Greatest Old Time Radio Shows with Book (Audio CD)

Frank Sinatra and Friends Is like a perfect sampler of old time radio shows all of which happen to have Frank Sinatra as the guest star. Each show is presented in it's entirety (30 min). We get plenty of Sinatra singing of course, but also acting in comedies and dramas alongside the Big stars of the 40's and early 50's. WE also get the joy of experiending the old radio shows like the Jack Benny Program, Burns and Allen, the Bob Hope show and many others. So this is not just for Sinatra fans. Anyone interesed in Radio will love and treasure this collection. This is not just a bunch of predigested moments with Sinatra. This is the complete show. Each one is charming and intimate. The commercials are wonderful too. Listening to these shows is like traveling through time. These recordings show us a Sinatra that his recording do not. It is almost like meeting him in person. Everyone Involved in these shows seems like they are having a wonderful time! And it is full of surprises. I recommend it without reservation!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Unexpected Treasure!!, September 14, 2000

By 

John G. Paradise (Guilford, Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Frank Sinatra and Friends : 60 Greatest Old Time Radio Shows with Book (Audio CD)

For a Sinatra fan who has everything this collection is an unexpected treasure because It gives you more of the Sinatra you crave. Not just singing, but acting: drama, comedy, and more! And a very personal encounter with Sinatra that you can't get with any other meduim. This collection offers something that the records and movies don't offer. You feel that you are In the room with Sinatra as he casually chats with the big stars of the day and joins them joins them in a comedy routine....than a song!! And this collection also introduces you to the world of old time radio. You will start to love them all: from Jack Benny to Burns and Allen.....Even If you were not that interested in Sinatra this collection presents an overview of old-time radio....where each show happens to have Frank Sinatra as the guest star!!! THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!! I want more!