Frankly - Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra's Music [Hardcover]

Bob Popyk (Author), Vincent Falcone (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2005

Sinatra's conductor reveals what it's like to work for legendary singers Frankly - Just Between Us, is an entertaining and insightful behind-the-scenes look at the world of playing piano and conducting for Frank Sinatra and other contemporary music legends. This book chronicles the illustrious career of Vincent Falcone from his days at Syracuse University and tuning pianos and performing casual dates in Las Vegas, to playing piano and conducting for music icon Sinatra during the apex of his career. Falcone also played for such music greats as Andy Williams, Jack Jones, Sammy Davis Jr., Jerry Lewis, the McGuire Sisters, Tony Bennett, Connie Francis, Paul Anka, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and many others. Frankly contains many great stories about playing and conducting for some larger-than-life music personalities of the '70s, '80s and today, and the highs and lows of playing for this caliber of entertainment.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 214 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 063409498X
• ISBN-13: 978-0634094989
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #797,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( S ) > Sinatra, Frank

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mr. S. would approve!, January 30, 2006

By 

Paul Manfredi (Pittsburgh, PA USA!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Frankly - Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra's Music (Hardcover)

I loved this book!! This is a great book about Frank Sinatra written by someone who worked with him and really knew him. Lots of great stories about Mr. S. and other entertainers. I found myself also enjoying reading about Vincent's life. I found his success story and positive attitude really inspiring. This book was so enjoyable to read that I started slowing down because I didn't want it to end. If you want to read a great book from someone who was really there -- then get this book right away!! Thanks, Vincent!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT A RIDE AND WHAT A READ!, January 21, 2006

By 

Frank J. LaSpina (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frankly - Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra's Music (Hardcover)

This book is an absolute must for all fans of Frank Sinatra. It is full of fascinating behind the scenes glimpses of the legendary entertainer, many of which will likely surprise you. The story is told in a voice and style that made me feel I was right there along for the wild rollercoaster ride that brought a young unknown from Syracuse N.Y. to the pinnacle of his profession: touring the world with The Chairman of the Board. There are also some very funny anecdotes involving comedians. Plus, the author offers a number of vauable insights into what it takes to carve out a successful career in music, regardless of the era. One of the most enjoyable reads I've ever had. I'm giving the book as gifts.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK SHOWS WHAT TALENT AND A LOT OF HARD WORK CAN DO, November 21, 2005

By 

A. Follett (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frankly - Just Between Us: My Life Conducting Frank Sinatra's Music (Hardcover)

I was sent an original galley of this book and I can tell you first hand, this book is great reading. It's not just about playing piano for the Chairman of the Board, but about following your dream. I loved the stories about Frank, Buddy Hackett, Steve & Eydie, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis...the list is almost endless. But this book is not about the days of the Rat Pack and the mob, this is the golden age of Sinatra by his pianist and conductor from the side of the stage most people never get to see. And it proves that if you want something bad enough, there is always a way to get it. I recommend this book to anyone, particularly those aspiring to reach their goal. I agree with the impressive endorsements by Tony Bennett, Tony Danza, Steve Lawrence and Robert Goulet. The pictures are terrific as well.