Stars come out for Sinatra’s birthday

Ol’ Blue Eyes would have turned 100 in December. Pic: Wiki Commons

A host of big names will appear on US television special marking what would have been the crooner’s 100th birthday

On December 12, Frank Sinatra would have been 100 years old. To mark the occasion, CBS and the Recording Academy have joined forces to stage a tribute special called Sinatra 100: An All-Star Grammy Concert. Tony Bennett, Carrie Underwood, John Legend, Usher, Garth Brooks and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine will all perform, with more top-flight artists expected to be added to the bill soon. There will also archive footage of Sinatra’s own performances interspersed thoughout the two-hour programme.

Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy, said: “Frank Sinatra is a voice for all generations. His showmanship and artistry have remained unmatched since he began performing professionally in the 1930s to his last recording 21 years ago. Today, he continues to gain popularity for his classic sound and signature style. It’s only fitting that we join the global celebration in honor of his 100th birthday.” And fitting it indeed is, Sinatra having won no fewer than nine Grammy awards over the course of his career.

Jack Sussman of CBS Entertainment said: “The name Frank Sinatra is synonymous with excellence that is timeless. As a performer, he possessed undeniable charisma and masterful artistry that resonate throughout generations. To have the opportunity to celebrate the life and art of The Chairman of the Board on his 100th birthday, and witness the lasting effects his music has had on artists today with a star-studded Grammy concert, is a true honour.”

The show will be recorded at the Encore Theatre in Las Vegas on 2 December, and be broadcast on the CBS network from between 9 and 11pm on Sunday 6 December.

Other celebrations of the Sinatra centenary have included a documentary film called Sinatra: All Or Nothing At All, and the release of CD and DVD boxsets, not to mention several books. An exhibition entitled Sinatra: An American Icon opens at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles next week, while closer to home, an orchestral concert called London Salutes Frank: A Centenary Concert is taking place at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on 13 December.

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