Frank Sinatra

A Tough question. Personally speaking, the Columbia years are the most sentimental for me. My parents were together through most of that time and we were a happy, (sort of) normal family.

The songs represent special times and feelings I hold very close.

Although the Harry James portion of the Columbia recordings was really the start of Dads career. All Or Nothing at All wasnt a hit until after Dad had left James for Dorsey and changed to RCA, which was Dorseys label. The Dorsey/RCA songs were chosen by Dorsey, not Frank, so though they influenced his later choices, Dad really had little to do with the songs, except to perform them.

When he returned to Columbia, this time with Axel Stordahl, Dad chose the material and collaborated on the style of arrangements. His tastes began to broaden and the scope widened. Now the songs represented his feelings more. Reflected his life more clearly.

The Capitol years were definitely the most metamorphic. His life changed and so did his voice, his clothes, choice of material and arrangements. I always think of this period as the butterfly leaving the safety of the cocoon and flying for the first time.

He was really feeling his oats, as they say. The concept album became the perfect vehicle for him - and it WAS HIS. In a sense he owned the idea. My personal choice: In the Wee Small Hours. Sad and sweet, but without the wrist-cutting pain of Only the Lonely. A prolific time indeed. I was a teenager and one of my favorite things to do was go to his record sessions. This was the MOST FUN period.

Reprise was his baby. He nurtured it.

He fed it the best talent roster he could muster. The wisdom gained from all the experience is clearly evident now. He became the elder statesman of American Music, and deservedly so. Musically, some of his finest work. My personal favorite: The Concert Sinatra. I was fortunate to attend those sessions at The Goldwyn Studios, and I tell you, it was breathtaking. And no echo chamber! If your question had been about INFLUENCE, I would have to say: Capitol, BUT Your question had to do with GREATNESS. So, I believe my answer has to be: Reprise Q You recorded three songs with your father. Were there any plans for future projects? A The last song Dad and I worked on was NicenEasy. It was supposed to have been for the second duets album. FS and Phil Ramone were not happy with Dads vocal performance, so we did not add my voice to it.

There was no time to redo before the release date.

Now we are working on the documentary film. I want Franks voice to be the only voice. He is helping me chosing the music etc. We never stop! You cant keep a good guy down.

Q In the early eighties you went on tour with your father. How was that experience? A I traveled with, and opened the shows for Dad for two years - for two reasons: 1) I wanted to afford my ...