The best Frank Sinatra story you will ever hear.

Edited by Kirk Noland. about.me/theminutewithkirknoland
Transcript: The first time I heard that voice
0:05I was eight-years-old I was shining shoes in a bar on the south side of Chicago
in the end I was appalled there at his funeral he was like a father to at age 78 we're all wondering when is he gonna lay down when is he going to quit
he would hit and miss some nights but
crowds love him they couldn't get enough of him and they
were really coming to say goodbye to him
in every city we went to they were coming to say goodbye
in one night in in the mark auditorium there's like twenty thousand people in
the arena and I did my show and the good audience was good he did three songs he was rollin when he got to the fourth song and went
totally blanked on the lyrics and
the orchestra was down in the pit and make it plain
not knowing that he was lost and he started whispering into the microphone
I'm sorry I'm so sorry I'm sorry
I'm sorry now when I saw that happening we we're always wondering when is he going to lay it down is this the
night
what's worse we know the orchestra didn't realized that he was in lost and they put their instruments down
one at a time to an eerie silence in this huge arena
and now he's whispering I'm sorry
I'm so sorry I'm sorry by that time I was stage left
and I thought okay this is it you know he's gonna come off stage and I'm gonna say
let's go home mister s it's been a great career but it's time to go home
and he turned around in that dead silence and he
had tears in his eyes and he looked like he was going to set the
microphone down
and this guy way up at the top in the audience stood up by himself in yelled
-out
that's alright Frank it's alright we love you
Frank it's alright because we love you and he started to applaud
I'm getting chills
go on
soon hundreds of people stood up then thousands and pretty soon the whole arena
was cheering and cheering he got to the edge at the stage and I thought
thought he was gonna go home but they wouldn't stop cheering. So he picked up the mic and he went to the next number which was Mack the
Knife any absolutely drill that song he hit every new nuance in every lyric
he was like he was 19 years old again now when he finished that song
the people wouldn't stop cheering and he was ready to go into the next number. When he quieted them down him down and he started to sing and he stopped and pointed up to the guy in the audience and said
I love you too pal and he sand for two years after that
2:31two years that guy doesn't know that fan brought him from the ashes that night.

[@jimpinotti7347]

I was in the audience that night. Every word is the truth. I saw Mr. Sinatra perform 14 times. He was, without question, the best ever.

[@MundiaKamau]

No kidding?🙂 You were in the audience that night?🙂

[@Dapryor]

It’s a sin that this comment has so few likes.

[@golds04]

Where and when was this? I’m confused because I thought at that point he was using a Teleprompter

[@keeperofthedumplings]

I must have seen him six or seven times in the 70's and 80's. He never sang "My Way". I don't know why. One winter, in Detroit, there was a huge snow storm the night of the concert. I went, against my parents wishes, and even though the highway was closed. Hardly anyone was there. And Frank says to the audience "I never sing this, but since you made it out here tonight, I will."And he sang "My Way".

[@dumplinglover8042]

How do I believe you? This is phenomenal- meeting you in this comment section in this specific video...

[@billisaac326]

@Mann. Co Ugly post .

[@billisaac326]

@Mann. Co You've just disproved that.

[@billisaac326]

@Mann. Co Now you're an irritating ugly poster.You wanna bat this back and forth? Find someone more amenable I've no time for it.

[@Hellwyck]

@Mann. Co The words that people speak (or type) can mirror the state of their soul - how they think, feel and act - your original comment was that of an angry teenager, therefore it shows you have an ugly soul. You also can't argue for shit as you got owned several times.

[@Ron71997]

" that's all right Frank, it's all right, we love you Frank, it's all right..because we love you" - brings tears to my eyes... We love you Frank!

[@al6347]

We still love you At my father's funeral he requested all Frank Sinatra it made the funeral memorial.

[@wagner9050]

Duh guy in the balcony... Performed a humanitarian act. We can All do that: perform a simple kindness. Thanks for your comment & may GOD Bless you & yours!!!

[@MundiaKamau]

@@wagner9050 A Humanitarian act it was indeed.

[@joliecide]

If they ever get to make the Sinatra biopic, this story would make a fantastic final scene.

[@AlmostReady504]

I'm surprised there hasn't been an authorized Sinatra biopic. After Elvis I can't think of anyone more imitated or emulated and beloved

[@MundiaKamau]

Well put.

[@davidmurphy8364]

God Bless that fan, hope he got to hear this story

[@joannaedwards6325]

Probably Sinatra's Guardian Angel. 🙏

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Oh, I really do hope so! It’s so wonderful! 🙏🏼

[@jaygio]

Would be cool but he doesn't need to hear it... he lived it, and was there to experience it. The power we have as humans when it comes being connected is endless. This is what we need more of in the world

[@Rob-Benny-Hill]

Absolutely. Someone no one knows, changed someone elses life for the better. @@jaygio

[@toddgaak422]

I heard a great story about Sinatra once: He was having a dinner party at his home. One of the guests knocked a candlestick over and it broke. His daughter Nancy saw it and started to freak out because, it was "her mother's favorite". Frank shot her a death stare and she shut up immediately. Frank would not tolerate having his guests embarrassed. He walked over to the matching candlestick, knocked it over, breaking it, shrugged, and said, "they were a set".

[@deadendfriends1975]

Thug life 101.

[@dmlevitt]

thanks for that post Todd. super fun. great story

[@zapkvr]

Lovely

[@benjaminlambertus916]

Beautiful

[@MrYatesj1]

That is an OG move!

[@afterpodcast]

This is a beautiful story, but my favorite is about when Frank forgot his hat inside a restaurant and asked the guy to go pick up his hat...then the guy comes back, Frank asks him: "What's the most someone's ever given you as a tip?" The guys says: "$100 dollars Mr. Sinatra..." so Frank pulls 2 one hundred dollar bills and gives the guy, then asks: "Who tipped you $100 dollars?" The guy says: "You did, last week" :)

[@AZdoberwoman]

Great story, thanks for posting!

[@akrenwinkle]

Hate to burst your bubble, but that story has made the rounds over the years with just the names and dollar amounts changed... Al Jolson, Jackie Gleason and others. I've also seen it in a movie or two as a gag. This is what's known as folklore. Now, my favorite Sinatra story, which is not folklore, was the time Sam Rayburn, then the extremely powerful Speaker of the House, put his arm around Frank and asked him to sing "The Yellow Rose of Texas." Frank: "Hands off the suit, creep."

[@joeferguson2606]

A Krenwinkle hate to burst your bubble, pal. Your story sucks.

[@akrenwinkle]

***** I'll suggest you do this, but there's no way in the world you will. Google the following: Frank Sinatra hand off the suit.

[@joeferguson2606]

holy crap, you are absolutely right... im not gonna do that.

[@jeanglod]

Wo sind die Fest und Flauschig Boys and Girls?

[@marius---]

Aber wo ist das Beltracchi-Kati Witt Video mit den Russen? =(

[@juliusmeffert5127]

Hier!

[@uetji]

Füße. Geblutet.

[@shinokami8326]

Represent

[@flipfloprocker8846]

Thats okay Peter, we love you!

[@bcask61]

I like Don Rickles story. “Hey Frank, I’m eating dinner here!”.

[@kevinmoore4887]

Only Don Rickles could pull that off. Maybe a Rat Pack member.

[@sottilario7213]

lol, can't u see I'm eating frank??

[@jaysmith2151]

OMG that story is beyond hilarious I think he told that story on The tonight show when Frank Sinatra was hosting it instead of Johnny Carson because the whole rat pack used to be on there a lot I used to watch it when I was a kid with my grandpa and since I just bought all of Johnny Carson's stuff I still watch it now ol blue eyes is the king of New York and always will be 100 years from now he still will be...

[@ThePeteFace]

"I'm not Barbara!'

[@trevormcmanis]

Absolutely 👍🏻

[@peterflorino9016]

I have a video of a concert Frank did at Madison Garden. He introduced Howard Cosell and the audience started to boo and snarl as Howard stood up, completely embarrassing him. Well Frank immediately said to the audience, "Wait a minute. This is the great Howard Cosell. He is my buddy and one hell of a great guy. Take another bow Howard". And this time they applauded him with respect. The countless times he asked his showbiz friends to do shows for the NAACP without pay. And he would finance most of the show. He put on concerts at prisons without getting paid. I could continue but the point is not only was he the most gifted singer of all time, but a real special person who did very wonderful things for many different people.

[@johnniethepom2905]

Frank Sinatra paid all of Ava Gardener's expenses until the end . That is love .

[@Rob-Benny-Hill]

He did the same with Sammy D Jnr also.

[@adrianotero7963]

Whoever was that fan......hats off to you Mr......

[@DappaDonDadda]

I'm a 28 yr old Jamaican guy, who fell in love with Frank's music the first time I heard it. I teared up listening this account. Such a great man.

[@richardmyers9386]

Same here brother, I was in tears!!

[@jamesbradford1153]

Same here, brought me to tears.

[@stankfanger1366]

Is that you, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.?

[@richardoberman3726]

You've got good taste in music!

[@MundiaKamau]

Thanks for sharing. Good music is like good food i.e. you feel it and appreciate it, regardless of the recipe, or who prepared it. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 22nd November 2023.

[@joeferguson2606]

...the one where Tony Bennett says to frank ... "frank, i've started painting as a hobby" and frank says to tony "come over and paint my house next tuesday"

[@simonmoves]

thats a good one,,tony bennett couldnt shine shoes for frank..amazing how the bad ent are still around..yea frank had his problems..but he was frank.sinatra

[@ajayaymusic]

Hahaha!!!!!

[@joeferguson2606]

Frank was the master, that's for sure

[@lukasnummer1]

***** This story can´t be true, since Tony Bennett has always painted; even as a kid. It´s more than a "hobby" for him.

[@catgirldo7646]

Bwhahahahahah - that is brilliant. I heard this one: Tony Bennett meets Sinatra for the first time and did not know Sinatra had heard him singing the previous evening. Bennett asks Sinatra for advice and Sinatra spends 20-30 minutes talking to him about appreciating songwriters, being truthful in singing, etc., and Bennett says Sinatra gave him his career with that advice. Bennett honored his lifelong friendship with Sinatra by funding and building the Frank Sinatra School for the Performing Arts. Such nice men.

[@anthonyperkins3527]

I had the immense pleasure of meeting Frank Sinatra when he was making a movie, The First Deadly Sin at a Police Station in New York City. I was a police officer there and had the most amazing conversation with him. Frank had just emerged from an office where they had been shooting a scene. He walked directly in front of me with a wine bottle in his hand, and began to complain that they could not get the scene straight and that he had to take a swig of this swill, one take after another. He added, " it was enough to give me agita". My response, albeit lame was, "Gee Mr. Sinatra, I didn't realize actors had such a difficult job". He response, as he place his hand on my shoulder, "trust me you officers have a much tougher job". He was so kind and easy to talk to. Met a lot of famous people in my day but, none as big as him. I will never forget that moment in time.

[@stevenj9970]

I’m in Chicago I’m a musician and I played for Sinatra towards the last whenever he was in the Midwest or in Canada. I’ve never seen anyone hold an audience like Sinatra could it was an unbelievable experience we musicians would memorize all of the charts all the music we were going to play just so we could watch him from the floor, he was the greatest artist and the audiences just loved him to death.

[@javierfernandez6030]

"I love you too pal"... the feels

[@fernandoramos_]

Ohhh classic. 1982

[@bbb462cid]

What many people forget, or maybe never knew, was that Sinatra was not just a great singer. He was a great craftsman at his trade. His breath control at the mic and his microphone technique, his ear for fine tuning an arrangement for a particular group of musicians, his knack for knowing when less was more, and when more was what the moment called for.

[@charlesjensen7918]

You are absolutely RIGHT Mr Blutarsky. CMJ

[@snidelywhiplash]

"Craftsman" is a great way to describe him.

[@no1nestandsalone387]

kbamm69 is that really necessary? This is about cherishing him memory dude

[@badbag9625]

@kbamm69 Ok...so does that mean....IF... it's true...the public should over look the issue because he was a craftsman ? Really ?

[@tsmith1487]

Mr. Blutarsky “Mr. Blutarsky... Zero point zero” my favorite scene in the movie. Sorry, couldn’t resist. But yes I agree. Also the way he works around the beat. Draw out a line into the next beat. Come in ahead. Etc. Absolute craftsmanship.

[@Janine11155]

My mother went to see Sinatra when she was a teenager in high school (mid-1940s). She wasn't a super fan, and she told me she was the only one in that whole audience of girls who wasn't screaming. He sang *just* to her the whole night.

[@MundiaKamau]

No kidding?🙂 Thanks for sharing.

[@TheNeilBernardShow]

One person can make a huge difference

[@b.walker5955]

Right. Sammy Davis can vouch for that.

[@ChopStickZero]

Wonderful story. People forget how much a kind word, a gesture, a touch means. Whether youre Frank Sinatra or a normal guy. Not to along ago I remember I was so incredibly down and feeling depressed, nothing going my way and found myself infront of a lady that had to arrange something important for me at college and I remembered I forgot my ID. And they dont care If you live 100 miles away and the picture of me is in front of their eyes on their computer screen. No ID,we cant help you. So I was just thinking like ughh Im gonna drive into a brick wall. And the lady says "just need the ID now". I started to stand up all depressed "yeah,of course I forgot it, Im sorry, I guess next week". And she smiles and tells me to sit down and dont be silly, we'll work it out. I was this close to tears.... For her it was just some random little kind thing she did that day and for me it made my day and whole weekend probabily. Dont underestimate how much little good deeds matter,try doing something nice once a day.

It is the glue that binds the world...if we ever lose sight of that, we'll have lost everything

[@stephenterranova8455]

Well said, so true.

[@tuzlum]

My wife and I were at his concert at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, CA on August 18, 1990. He was surrounded with monitors that displayed the words for the songs he was singing. When he first entered he was surrounded by six body guards to the stage, he was barley visible as they were big guys :) It was a magical night that my wife and I were fortunate to be part of. He sang Come fly with me, I get a kick out of you, The lady is a Tramp, I've got you under my skin, Summer wind, Strangers in the night and of course My way!

[@gradybrowning3976]

They don't build them like Frank anymore.

[@thegreatbamboozler4837]

A hand out is what you get from strangers....a hand up is what you get from friends.

[@pantonfire]

Wow. That's lovely.

[@rsbrehm]

Agreed.

[@lindalee-brown5539]

It is 💖

[@jaywilley955]

You’re darn tootin it is. 😀😀😀

[@coycoberly4162]

AWESOME!!!

[@aadhithanu9070]

❤️

[@waynecassels3607]

May God bless that one man who voiced what the world would have been feeling and certainly the entire audience was at that moment.

[@pastorscottporter]

I was at the concert of which Mr. Dreesen refers. The Mark of the Quad Cities (now the (Iwireless center) in Moline, Illinois. It was a marvelous moment. A night I will never forget!

[@afterpodcast]

You're blessed!!!

[@AZdoberwoman]

The events preceding that moment must have been very tough to watch, though. So glad it turned out as it did.

[@jonmarretta2459]

I am from Rock Island what year did this happen?

[@TheMrTslab]

"That is great", says Anne Stevenson of Davenport.

[@michaelmelro6641]

Just find out when he retired and minus 2 years from that. Tom said he sung for 2 more years after.

[@HatunTashDCCIMinistries]

The Don Rickles story about Frank in the restaurant was even better.

[@realPromotememedia]

@Chi Sam thanks for the link man

[@mitchcunningham8520]

How about Dennis Miller’s story about having dinner with Frank!

[@Fakeaorta]

I iwas just typing the same thing then I thought I better check to see if someone already did. And there you are!

[@tellurye]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2bCh2yIiZ2UiJo

[@tonyclifton265]

lol yes! "christ, Frank, cant you see I'm eating?" [after begging sinatra to stop by his table to impress a new girlfriend..] LMAO

[@yaimavol]

Sinatra was either the nicest guy you could ever meet or the nastiest, depending on his mood.

[@soulman7429]

Great story indeed. Reminds me another story involving Frank. Elvis turned 40 in 1975, and the sleazeball music critics and Press Corps (forgetting about Elvis's influence and contribution) started having a field day in the Press about Elvis being fat & 40 and leading the charge among other music fans to start mocking & dismissing Elvis. Frank knew Elvis personally and also knew that this hurt Elvis a bit. Frank sent Elvis a personal letter to cheer Elvis. Told him how much he meant to himself (Frank) and many other iconic artists of that era and the music industry, and he reminded Elvis how petty and cruel people can be and he told him to try not to listen to The Press or the small minded folks... signed it "Don't let those SOB's get to you. Love Francis." Class Act move from Frank. Why the people at Graceland have that note hidden somewhere in there archives instead of on public display God only knows, (assuming the letter still exists somewhere hopefully)... but I know two people that were at Graceland the day Elvis received that note. Saw it with their own eyes and saw Elvis moved profoundly by Franks personal encouraging words. RIP in peace to both Frank & EP

[@kevinbell3700]

Nobody seen much at Graceland or they would have called the cop's and reported Elvis for fucking the underage girl he was living with.

[@williammassey8514]

@@kevinbell3700 STFU

[@williammetcalf7239]

that is an amazing story. Stories like that are the greatest.

[@stevem2323]

@@kevinbell3700 Get the fuck out of here fuckface.

[@kevinbell3700]

@@stevem2323 It's the truth.

[@mattf49006]

i worked a few Sinatra concert as security while in college...incredible experience...the Man owned it

[@Nightrain76]

I have a similar story. May 12 1994 Frank played the Sands Casino in Atlantic City. Frank was doing an amazing show. Then, he sang the ballad, My Heart Stood Still. Towards the end Frank got lost and missed a full verse. However, after missing the full verse, he got right back into it and absolutely belted out the final verse and before he ended the song it was to a full standing ovation. The crowd went crazy and Frank belted it out "it stood still!!!" It was really amazing. I get chills when I hear the bootleg.

[@jimmyjames2170]

Nightrain76 I worked at the Sands then as a lighting technician and was running spotlight for that show! I remember it very well. What impressed me most was Mr. Sinatra’s impeccable professionalism to gather himself and continue his wonderful performance. I think it’s safe to say that he was always comfortable at home - on the stage in front of an audience ~

[@leopoldstotch256]

Wer hat sich auch erstmal die beine eingecremt?

[@marknan5352]

Wish i could have seen him in person.

[@donpaul0]

Thank you, Tom. I'm 68. So at this age, a story like yours can bring me to tears. And, it did.

[@paulletchworth8127]

Tom Dreesen you sir are a American treasure and you were a great friend to Frank !!!!!!

[@wilrobles5392]

Great story. That fan in the back was one of the greatest motivational speakers of all time.

[@20alphabet]

The imaginary fan?

[@oldschoolsinger]

For that very reason, Barbara Streisand started using a teleprompter years ago. She was embarrassed one night when she forgot lyrics to a song.

[@choycewellington3911]

Sinatra held nothing back as a performer - this legend gave and gave his all, on every note, every lyric...he was an "orchestra" all unto himself.

[@Bladerunner4924764]

Not to take away from what you said about Frank Sinatra but Elvis Presley was the same way. He felt down deep that people paid their hard earned money to come see him perform so he gave his all to give his audience a good show. I've never been to a concert to see an actual live performance from any entertainer but I wonder if today's entertainers feel the same way or do they think they're privileged? IDK, I'm just asking.

[@stephenquail3168]

Hair standing up ,goose bumps.wowwwww what a story.what a guy.

[@tomdreesen283]

Roy Jiminez and Tony Jay. It did happen and it happened exactly the way I told it. I have no reason to lie or make up stories.

[@HadEnough745]

You shouldn't answer to trolls. There will always be morons who like to cast negativity on good things.

[@joymom1]

Tom Dreesen The absolute truth! Thanks for sharing.

[@DISGUYROX]

Tom Dreesen Last night, I watched the two part HBO series on Frank Sinatra. I'm 76 Y/O and remember hearing him in the 1940's. There is no other musician that lights me up in so many ways as when I listen to his music. After watching the 2nd part of that series, I felt a deep sadness, not only because he isn't here anymore butt, also because his song, It Was a Very Good Year is now pertinent in my own life. This was a good story and, I absolutely understand what that guy in the audience felt.

[@VinnyDrysdale]

You told that story beautifully, Tom. Ignore the idiots.

[@jonathanwilkinson1461]

That was awesome Tom, God bless you and the Chairman of the Board..

[@bachetsl8279]

I saw him at the Sand's in AC, He flubbed the words and had a moment. He said and I quote "You people are great for putting up with this" The crowd went crazy and stood and applauded him. And he moved right along and caught up with the rest of the song. That's a true story and Joe Piscopo was in attendance and could verify that story. People just love him.

[@dougskinner4715]

The Chairman of the Board - there never be anyone quite like him.

[@catgirldo7646]

Mr. Dreesen - if you read this I just want to thank you for sharing this heartfelt story from Mr. Sinatra's later years. I had heard this happened but until today - I did not realize it was so amazing. I appreciate your telling of it,, too.

[@heleneschenbacher8512]

When we had Sony Walkman tape cassette players, my favorite album was "Sinatra at the Sands.” I had it memorized. I was working at Pearl Harbor with a bunch of sailors (No kidding!) and they were surprised that I liked Sinatra. Sinatra played at Aloha Stadium in 1986 for A T&T--when we still had to pay for long distance calls. The tickets were $75 each, but you got $75 in long distance calls. I bought two tickets and I couldn’t find ANYONE to go with! I sent the coupons to dad so he could talk to his five kids. I finally dragged a Navy Jet F-14 pilot with me. He was totally bored. I thought “What the hell?” I thought EVERYONE loved Sinatra." I even got a backstage pass and this jet jock (“Maverick!”) couldn’t have cared less. But I got an autographed pic and a kiss on the cheek from Francis Albert Sinatra!

[@XcZuNiTy]

wow....that almost gave me tears honestly.....I wish I could have seen Frank one time at a show...I was born in the wrong time era...

[@eraguilar]

I agree

[@noshit7434]

+Ernesto Aguilar me to

[@XcZuNiTy]

Actually what's really cool about Tony Bennett, my fiance's Grandfather who passed now actually sang with Tony Bennett and even recorded an album with him. His name was Benito Cottone, I love TB, Frank, the whole Rat Pack, I love my Italian heritage and all the amazing singers from Italy. Such moving music.

[@XcZuNiTy]

Yeah I'm only 27 myself, but my whole family listens to this stuff so I grew up on it.

[@depaola63]

TEARS! I saw SINATRA at Bally's Reno in 1988 and his son was the conductor of an awesome orchestra! I was 25 at that time and he was just SUPER! When the last song " New York! New York!" was done, we all stood ( 5,000+ seat I think) roaring ovation, I was the first person he came and shook my hand ( we paid $200 each for right there in front!) My Mother ( who taught me all about the man from the day I was born!)..my sister, wife at the time and my wonderful Godparents and one more lifelong friend and HUGE SINATRA fan ( ALL OF US!) Frank shook my hand for a good 5 sec. and looked me right in the eyes with his beautiful steel blue eyes! ( he was 73 at the time and his eyes were like that of a 30 year old Just really piercing blue! I said while he was shaking my hand, YOU are " Marvelous Sir! Thank you and he nodded and said thank you to me face to face! I will always treasure that night!

[@fja4916]

At any point, anyone reading this can do this for someone they love. A little compassion, and love, can go a long way. Be that fan, if the moment ever arises.

[@joannaedwards6325]

At this point let me say this - - Mr. Dreesen has been sharing his great stories and making us laugh for a long long time. Not only is he funny and talented, he is generous and kind. We owe Tom Dreesen a lot of love and respect. Recently he has gone through a rough time and not traveling to do gigs hasn't helped. If you are a big Tom Dreesen fan or if you're a show business friend, now would be a great time to contact him and let him know how much he is loved and appreciated. I'm just sayin'. BIG HUGS TO YOU MR. DREESEN Love, Jo-Anna Edwards a friend of Moose ( your son's buddy ).

[@joannaedwards6325]

FJA thanks a lot for this opportunity

[@fja4916]

@@joannaedwards6325 That’s sweet Joanna. I wish I was a somebody, cause I’d certainly reach out to him and help. If you know how, please reply how to, and I’d certainly like to help with a kind word, or two. Unfortunately that’s all I could afford these days. The least I could do for him. I’ve been a fan of his, long before I even knew his name. I’m in my mid 50’s and will always remember him on variety shows, back in the day, but more so for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethons. Those were a big deal to me, and many people back then. Labor Day weekend wasn’t complete without checking in on the telethon in the wee hours of the morning; while we were still “celebrating” shall we say. I can recall Mr. Dressen as being a mainstay act, for the MDA cause for many years. I wish him well, and pray Karma comes his way, for all the joy he’s brought to millions throughout the years. A total class act. Thanks for the reminder Joanna.

[@joannaedwards6325]

@@fja4916 Thank so much for responding. He has an Email address and his own You Tube channel. I'm about to go to bed though so I'll get back to you tomorrow sometime with more specific info. What I did (and I'm only a fan too) was binge watch all of his own videos on his channel but those comment sections are turned off. So then I watched every other video here on You Tube that showcased his stories and his stand up act ( took me 4 days, off and on ) until I found one where HE ANSWERED someones rude personal remarks. Then I texted him myself just gushing like a female fan with a crush. I'll get the name of that specific video to you tomorrow. Maybe Tom Dreesen might even respond to my letter. Hope I haven't embarrassed myself. But I had to let him know how I felt before it's too late. Good night now. Thanks again.

[@fja4916]

@@joannaedwards6325 I actually went to his KZbin channel and watched several of his videos. Really good stuff. Thank You for recommending it.

[@tryarunm]

Great story - it rings so true. I wonder if that fan ever realised what he did for Sinatra.

[@bailey9r]

I wonder if he ever realized what he did for US too?

[@melissagura7275]

I bet he did. What if the guy was a guardian angel trying to be supportive of Frank Sinatra?

[@al6347]

That would make a great movie.

[@frankh5435]

Wonderful story. I love Frank Sinatra. Thanks Tom, you're a class act man. And thanks to that guy, may he live long and prosper.

[@efreet02]

I saw Sinatra at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland in 1994 which I think was about a year before he retired, or a year after Tom Dreeson's story. Even with the teleprompter, he couldn't remember lyrics. People would shout up to the stage, "It's quarter to three, Frank" to prompt him. But the charisma was still there, and the orchestra was great, and I'll never forget it.

[@janwintz8372]

This is sad, and touching...Loved "Love you too, pal" after blowing him a kiss. Makes me love FAS all over again!

[@marcsmilen6565]

I think I remember a story that sinatras last concerts he needed assistance to a chair on stage. He would just sit there and frank Jr. Would do the show

[@reedallaboutit590]

God Bless Real Fans

[@michaelburke7742]

Yeah, the diehards are important.

[@cohencohen54]

Sinatra once saved my life. His bodyguard was beating me up and he told him to stop!

[@stevem2323]

To bad he didn't finished the job.

[@eliasmarius]

@@stevem2323 *too. Don’t be an ass if you can’t spell. And I don’t know why you would even day that.

[@stevem2323]

@@eliasmarius Ok nazi grammar, now piss off.

[@eliasmarius]

@@stevem2323 grammar nazi*

[@stevem2323]

@@eliasmarius Naah it's better to put nazi before, nazi.

[@richardkeating6697]

What A Great Story !!! Growing up in Jersey City every Sunday was noon Mass and Ziti Sunday with The Chairman of the board on in the the background !! My favorites The Way You Tonight/ Summer Wind / What's Now is Now / lol I can keep going R.I.P. Frank there will NEVER be another one like you !!!

[@rosemariecapabianco9688]

Richard Keating

[@davidcattin7006]

When my nephew was 8 he was in a restaurant and a Frank tune came on. Immediately, he shouted out, "That's Frank Sinatra!" to the amazement of nearby guests. Maybe there's hope for our youth yet ;o)

[@Dave_B33]

I am not a Sinatra fan, he was before my time, but this story gives me chills. The relationship between fans and the great ones is always special.

[@kathrynbencriscutto507]

This to me was the greatest story of what a Champion is made of who values love, and astonishes the odds....

[@aslanmane]

It really sucks being a fan of someone who died just before your turned 8. I've always known of Frank, but only recently immersed myself in his music.

[@tryarunm]

+aslanmane That's how I feel about Bing Crosby, who passed on when I was 5, yet whom I came to love when I began singing in my teens. Bing is my favourite, and Frank and Nat King Cole are very close behind.

[@halcyon289]

+aslanmane Check out Matt Monro.

[@loyeruckman120]

+Lycanus But that's also what's so wonderful about music, when you listen to Frank, Billie Holiday or Coltrane (just to name a few) and their music is *alive*.

[@TL2354]

How I feel about Lennon, i was 3 when he died and i remember being up late for whatever reason when his death was announced during Monday Night Football

[@gunnnzz6230]

you missed a great era!!

[@thomashood252003]

I would've been the second one standing up and applauding-..the greatest singer entertainer of all time

[@shiraneedesilva8381]

Frank sinartra is one of the best God produced no one can be like him the way he sings is just.fanastic.i.can go on listening to him. What a shame his not here.

[@94johnc]

Heard this story about 2 months ago. Had the pleasure of meeting you Tom at the Ritz Carlton in Naples FL at the Lagotus event. You were the special guest. I was one of the AV techs working the show. A lot of cool story's you told I enjoyed listing to. Thanks for sharing.

[@VeillonBusinessConsu]

There will never be another great person or singer like Frank.

[@stevejorfi9086]

WOW!! That was awesome. Frank gave a lot and he got a lot in return.

[@Andrew-rz9hc]

My favorite Sinatra story was when he was in a restaurant and don rickles approached him saying “ hey Frank I’m on a date would you mind going up to my table and telling the girl i know you?” Frank agreed and after his meal he goes to Don’s table. Frank: Hey Don good to see you here Don: Frank cant you see I’m trying to eat???

[@dianebobsiesilosyoung5397]

Bless that guy who gave back Sinatra his confidence. I have loved Sinatra all my life and always will! Thanks for sharing your story. Bless you too

[@al6347]

We still love you Frank.

[@annmarie1758]

Frank Sinatra was the best entertainer who ever lived. I saw him in Vegas in the late 80's and he was beyond great. Tom Dreesen opened for him and he was good too. I still listen to Sinatra all the time.

[@tomdreesen283]

Disguyrox. Well said. I listen to him every day as miss the excitement of traveling with him for 14 years. It was a great ride.

[@scottd16]

To Mr. Dreesen and all of the commenters. I can vouch for Tom's story. I was present at the concert of which he speaks. The Mark auditorium (now known as the Iwireless center) in Moline, Illinois in March of 1994. Frank had recently collapsed in Richmond, VA during a concert, and those of us in Illinois/Iowa were concerned if he'd be able to make this date. Being the trooper he was, Frank was there, and the things of which Mr. Dreesen speaks happened just as he said. I was seated in the balcony stage right (I still have my ticket stub) and after that "episode" Sinatra killed it the rest of the night. One of the things that impressed me the most that night was at the end of the concert during "MY WAY" when Frank hit the high note at the end instead of just doing the easier low note. It was a great night. One that my wife and I will never forget!! God bless you Tom Dreesen, and GO CUBS!! ;)

[@bailey9r]

Mr Porter: Thanks for the background story.

[@billolsen4360]

Thanks for the retelling that story about Mr Sinatra. Would have been great to be there.

[@jadezee6316]

bullshit@@scottd16

[@jadezee6316]

@@scottd16 here we have an example PROVING THIS STORY IS BULLSHIT....AND THIS COMMENT IS TOO. NOTE scott porter claims to have been at this show...note the date? now go play the video...NOTE..dreesen...claims Sinatra "was saved"....and went on to sing for 2 more years.... ok...well..Sinatra ENDED HIS CAREER...on stage this same year november...1994...in a show in japan...a sliver of what he was...so..how could Sinatra still be singing 2 years after he quit?....LOL....WHAT SAY YOU DREESEN?

[@kevinmoore4887]

There are a million stories about a rude audience. So nice to hear a great story about someone being supportive.

[@irenegriego2446]

God bless that man for speaking up.

[@72Disco1998]

Great video. Love Sinatra thank you grandma introducing him to me as a kid.

[@MrYatesj1]

That is beautiful man, I only caught the end of Franks life but I soak in all the movies and music to this day. Different time and place for sure but Frank and the boys were very very special cats.

[@GeeberK1]

I only saw Frank once... at Carnegie Hall... in the early 1980's... but I'll never forget it. ... ... ... Thank you for sharing this story, Tom... God bless you!!

[@tomsmith5216]

He was great. I play his cds when I am on the road. Make it one for my baby. one more for the road...the long, long road...

[@mowermanone1621]

I absolutely loved his music. Love you Frank.

[@ronjunior]

What that fan exhibited was a loving emotion called compassion. Compassion for his fellow man. Obviously, we've lost that God-given, heart-felt vibe today. I pray for it's return as soon as possible.

[@storyteller1749]

AMEN!!!

[@RoisinT2]

Got mad chills from that too. But whatsmore to me the moral to the story is - not that it was Frank the big celebrity or sum such, but the thing that this random audience member did - you have the choice to not kick the people when they are down, when you have the chance. You also can do what he did - say its all right. I think this is what we need more in todays society. When you have a chance to kick someone, you still can always choose not to and be nice to others. It doesn't cost you anything. My hats off to this man.

[@chrisweidner4768]

One of the best stories I have ever heard. Love is everything. Cherish and learn from one another.

[@zyxmyk]

Sinatra's music is like a planet you can land on and explore. I miss him.

[@richardgenovese1634]

There will never ever be another Frank, the chairman still is the greatest, rest in peace Mr S

[@sjames304]

Love this story. Made me smile. RIP Frank. Thanks for all the great moments and timeless tunes!!

[@george39able]

you know what I love about Mr.D,..he does not have a a phony bone in his body,,,his story's of "the Charmian of the board "are all true and sincere ,"Youd theBest."

[@weskitten]

Great story. It just proves how the audience was always with Frank...guys would yell out 'Frankie', just like it was 1944 or something. Some would go right back with The Voice.

[@robjohnson212]

That actually gave me chills... What a great story

[@markrush5013]

and we still love Mr.Sinatra!!! thanks for this incredible story,Tom!

[@MundiaKamau]

Great story, great tribute, great narration. Wow. Big up too to the guy in the audience who "brought Sinatra back from the ashes" as described above. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 22nd November 2023.

[@joecorr5359]

Frank was the best there will ever be. No one can come near him.

[@andyh027]

Tom Dreeson is an amazing guy. A genuine civil rights pioneer and a brilliant showman. I'm too young to remember him from his innumerable guest-host spots on the Tonight Show, but KZbin has filled me in plenty. By all rights he should be a household name; instead he's an unexpected pleasure to discover. Class act all the way.

[@toddyarton2001]

andyh027 &

[@virginiaaguilar3648]

That IS the best Frank Sinatra story I have ever heard. I too love you Ol’ Blue Eyes 💙💙💙

[@nathaliedufour3891]

Beautiful story, human story, no superstar, a man.

[@johnsmith-tc2qn]

Never heard that story. Frank had one hell of a run with his singing and movies. Very long career.

[@erichaynes7502]

Great story, Frank was an absolute legend. This probably happened at the Mark of the Quad Cities arena in Moline, Illinois on March 26, 1994.

[@usachristmas5433]

Just a wonderful story, thanks for sharing it with us! The man puts a smile on my face everyday

[@williamheyman5439]

So I am 81 years old, and I think that this is a very nice story, and it is very nice that Tom Dreesen shares it with us, and I do not have any wise cracks about people who have gone out and done things that we should appreciate.

[@sohooded]

There was only one Sinatra....excellence in music...nuff said!!!

[@daleholmgren6078]

I made it a point to see him at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago in 1982, and I was there at his 80th birthday concert at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, to say goodbye. It was his last public appearance. He was frail, but this is a man who for decades consumed an enormous amount of alcohol. At the end of the show, they went over to the table he and Barbara were at on the end of the stage and asked him to lead us in NY NY. Tony Bennett came over to give him a hand getting up the step, and he pulled his arm away; he wasn't going to be helped on stage, he wasn't going to have that be our last impression of him. He took the mike and sang with everyone, but his voice didn't carry. It was sad - all we wanted was one song, but he could no longer carry it home to us. It was now we had to realize, it was all over.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

Not really the whole truth, -- he sang the last few words of New York, New York and he was heard just fine! If he seemed or acted hesitant, it was just because he was such a modest man. He hated personal attention, except, of course, applause at his performances. Even then, I've seen him signal "that's enough" to the audience!

[@daleholmgren6078]

Yes, I saw that on the tape; I didn't pick up his voice when I was in the audience. I wish they had given him a chance to speak to the audience, if only to say thank you.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

WONDERFUL STORY! What a Wonderful fan! ♥️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 And Tom was about 74 here! He still looked amazing!

[@JefferyClifford-js8dj]

Hello Cynthia. How are you doing today?

[@veritasaequitas9277]

GREAT story! that moment where he describes the fan who stands up in the back is surprisingly powerful

[@kevvome]

Great story. Great storyteller. Hell, I miss Frank Sinatra so much. The finest concert I have EVER seen is Sinatra at the Royal Festival Hall in 1970. To me, it was Sinatra's finest moment. He was at the very peak of his career and he looked and sang like the superstar he was. If you've never seen it you are missing out. Watch and listen to the grand master and you'll know what I mean. It was a terribly sad day for music when Frank passed away. The singers of today couldn't hold a candle to Frank Sinatra. There's really only Tony Bennett that can come near him, all the rest are dead. The great thing is we can still see Sinatra on youtube whenever we want, and believe me I MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

[@Sparklyel]

i have tears in my eyes..

[@rperkins723]

Bravo Mr. Dreesen! I saw you open for Mr. Sinatra and you were great. Thanks for sharing these amazing stories about the greatest performer of the 2oth century!

[@gocatgo74123]

When I was younger I never paid no mind to Frank Sinatra, thought he was too old, didn't like that type of music ... now that I'm older and grew up, I realize what I'd missed. Thank God for music! Now - I can't stop listening to him!!! Wow!!! R.I.P. Mr. Sinatra.