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Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Brilliant biography Charlotte and an interesting look at the iconic Sinatra. Did you get the feeling he was a hard man, and cruel? I’ve read that he could be violent, even towards his greatest fans. I’m always torn between appreciation for that voice and horror at the ego-fuelled personality.

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I got to know Sammy Davis Junior really well. We were friends and went shopping together. Dean Martin was introverted but very friendly and invited us in the dressing room for a drink. Frank — I were instructed to stay away from him, and not to address him, unless he approached me. I was in an elevator with him and terrified. He didn’t look at me at all. But his bodyguard or whoever it was with him nodded to me and said hello. I think he live for his performances.

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Wow. Instructed not to speak to him. Curious.

I bet shopping with Sammy was fun! What an experience to have had, Charlotte. Great memories! ✨

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I think Sinatra was a tortured soul. and insecure. It was reported by his agent at the time that when Eddie Fisher’s theme Rosabell Frank’s he tried to take his life. Apparently he attempted several suicide events. He’d crawl out of his depression when his star would rise again.

As far as being left alone, I don’t think I saw him with anyone except his bodyguard and security and may be a stagehand who it is called him to the stage. Perhaps he just wanted to concentrate, and I can’t blame him. I certainly didn’t take it personally. Yeah I’ll write about Dsmmy soon! He liked my jeans. So he’d take me shopping to try on clothes for him. He was such a small skinny man he only fit into size 2 or four women’s jeans etc. It always buy me some fabulous gift.

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I look forward to reading more, Charlotte. Thank you!✨

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Thank you Trudi, you’re wonderful! 🥰🥰🥰

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Jul 13·edited Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Wow, Charlotte!! This was so informative for me. I really had no idea he was THAT big of a deal! And all those paid fans- really goes to show how long the marketing manipulation has been occuring for. Fascinating!!

In your opinion, why do you think he was so angry? My sense is that he was a man solely governed by the outside and he somewhere along the way lost connection with his inner compass.

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Sending you much thanks Jacqueline! I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment and really glad you enjoyed it. That type of showman marketing has been going on for centuries. Houdini was an expert at it. He was better at publicity than he was doing his little stunts. In modern recent times, Sinatra‘s publicist was probably the most brilliant because he really utilized tge teen market, and understood how to drive it and make it happen.

On several occasions Sinatra tried to take his life, he was that depressed. Usually when he lost connection with his stage an audience that he became angry and depressed. As long as those relationships remain the same he was in perfect balance. For instance Eddie Fisher came on the scene with lots of razzle-dazzle and hoopla and plenty of women following him around. He stole a lot of Frank’s attention. At least that’s the way I would imagine Frank felt. So I think that through Frank off, he didn’t know how to handle a new up-and-coming star who might take his place. He lives for his relationship with the stage in his audience. In the words of the world famous tight rope walker Karl Wallenda, “ Life is on the wire, the rest is just waiting. “ I think that’s how Frank felt, his life wasn’t worth living unless he maintained his status as an entertainer and was on stage.

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

WOW.....yes that makes so much sense, Charlotte!!

And one cannot perpetually be on a stage.

I lived with an actor for 10 years. It was hard to watch him suffer those period in between gigs. I can only imagine how someone like Frank would have felt- after a night being surrounded by adoring fans who love you, going home to a quiet house must feel lonely.

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Indeed, you go back to your work real world and the dichotomy and contrast can profoundly affect your mood. I’ve been at fabulous nights of celebrations only to wake up the next morning to my breakfast cereal. and housework. Lol! Rita Hayworth said, “ Every man I knew went to bed with Gilda... and woke up with me.” 😂

When that contrast less a short. It’s easy to absorb. But when an up-and-coming star begins to replace you on the billboards then you might become suicidal. That’s where Frank was at. Sticking his head in the oven when Eddie Fisher received much adulation from the public and the press. He felt replaced. Unwanted and unneeded. He went through dark periods like that throughout his life. I’m sure he was experiencing one when I worked up alongside him at Bally‘s in Las Vegas. He seemed rather perpetually unhappy, but he also may have just been focusing on his show.

Sending you much love. We are all on the same wavelength and vibe here.

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Love "Life is on the wire..."

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I love it too Todd! Thank you 😍

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Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Thanks for the informative and eye opening peek behind the curtains into the highest echelon of the performance arts Charlotte. Hopefully the mention of shopping with Sammy was a teaser for a future piece!

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Yes, thank you Russell and I am planning an installment on Sammy Davis in the near future. I appreciate you reading my work and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

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Oh YEAH, I want to hear about that too!

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Martin Sinatra and Dean Martin - It’s just as well the priest prevailed. Fascinating bio!

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For that reason alone! Lol! 😂 then imagine saying Marty Sinatra? 😁😄 Thank you, I'm so glad you lijed it. Thank you for reading and commenting, that means a lot to mme! 🤗✨💜

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Jul 13·edited Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

I have a lot of favorites in the category of music and especially film. But to this day, I still think he's the greatest all-around entertainer of all time.

Great singer. VERY underrated actor - deserving more than the two Oscar nominations he received. Could dance a little here and there (I own all the Sinatra/Kelly films). But Frank could sing anything you give him. And he could play any role. The longevity. The respect. Icon.

My wife's uncle was his personal photographer.

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Thank you John and yes Sinatra was an underrated actor and he really wanted to be in films more. I am very happy for him he did win some Oscars. That had to of been a thrill for him. I honestly think there is another entertainer who has matched him, be Elvis, The Beatles or Michael Jackson. The Beatles came on with a giant iconic splash and it was a long they were separated. Elvis was just tragic especially in his later days. The drugs did him no good. The same with Michael and his weird issues. All that plastic surgery seem to be more important for him than just being a good entertainer and making people happy.

Frank on the other hand enjoyed several decades of being top-class. He was threatened by a few coming ups like Eddie Fisher, but moved on past that and continue to be great. Thank you so much for commenting and I really appreciate your support! Have a beautiful weekend!

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Well, I'm combining acting…. And that's why I say he was the greatest all around entertainer. While I love Elvis movies (far more than his music), he couldn't act very well. The Beatles and MJ didn't either.

And I also don't think MJ or the Beatles had the personal charisma that Elvis or Frank had. Though Frank's charisma was VERY different than the smooth country boy charm and good looks of Elvis.

I tend to keep my thoughts about the Beatles to myself. I almost got in a fight with my older brother (he was 20 years older than me) about our differing opinions. While I give them their place in music, no one will ever make me understand the hype or why people think they're so amazing. But that's the beauty of art that is subject and the freedom to think differently.

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The Beatles changed my husbands life so I can see them through his lens. He would not be a successful musician today without their body of work. They were definitely a phenomenon, but I think they were a planned phenomenon. Unlike Elvis or Frank who were more organic. You and I share the same thoughts on this subject. Definitely Elvis in the Beatles or not academy award winning actors. Neither was MJ.

It seems when we are in the seventh and eighth grade is when we are most affected by music and during my time it was The Monkees, which wasn’t even a real band. Lol! I still love their songs. I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Sunday! Stay magical!✨💜🤗

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

That's interesting. I've never heard that viewpoint of being planned. I'm going to read up on them (which is something I've never done.) Hope your day is awesome, Charlotte! 😎

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I think they are hard-working authentic musicians and I love their songs. But when it comes to their popularity and publicity I believe they had an exceptional press agent and publicist who mimicked Frank’s night at the Paramont.

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Thanks for sharing your personal experience. I’d like to read your experiences with other members of the Sinatra gang. I’ve been listening to Dean Martin lately. He’s growing on me. I enjoyed when He was teamed up with Jerry Lewis.

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Thank you, and my Substack was looong already or I would have included my own experiences watching his show in the audience. I saw it twice -at Ballys and at Caesar’s. When I worked at Ballys , I would run into the light booth as often as I liked. I just loved him on stage, his connection to the audience- the loop he created on stage. Especially his music tapped into a certain energy in me, which left me happy and inspired. I watch him before I would perform my own show and by the time I walked on stage I felt uplifted.

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Interesting to hear how you took inspiration from him and others. That’s a part of your writing that I enjoy reading. It reflects a truth that I am growing to appreciate: we are better when we are in spirit with others. Namaste.

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Clifton, thank you so much for taking the time to read my entire article and comment! I appreciate your support. I try to offer some inspiration in my work and make that the focus rather than just writing about meeting stars etc. Lol! A narcissistic piece. On stage I think Frank was always in spirit with his audience. That’s a great thing to say. Have a wonderful weekend! 🤗✨💜

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This is just awesome work. Very well done Charlotte.

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Thank you @Steve Kelsey I’m so glad you liked it. I’m blessed when people read and appreciate my writing. Have a beautiful day! ✨💖✨

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wonderful article!

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@ArtemisForestFairy thank you so much, I am humbled! 🤗✨💖

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Wonderful story and love your first-person experience! 👍

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Thank you so much Paul! I wish I had more experience with Sinatra since I was around him so often. But we were always told to stay away and he never really approached me or my ex-husband or any of the other entertainers. He pretty much just came in to work went to his dressing room and then went to the stage. One time I rode with him in the elevator and he just looked ahead and didn’t even glance at me. I think he just like to focus on his show and he may have been going through some tough times. Who knows. Thank you so much again for reading my article and taking the time to comment.

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

I always love the way you draw the parallels, connect the ⭐️’s and weave the threads together for us all.

It’s part of your magic

As a little girl, I remember my grandmother listening to ‘Ol Blue Eyes on her 8 track player. We are proud Jersey girls.

Years later in 1998, I woke up in a fancy NJ hotel and The NY Times was delivered to the door. It was the front page tribute that followed his death.

The world needs your magic more than ever. I love all of your recollections, but there’s something special about coming home from work and reading this one tonight 💗💗

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New York, New Jersey and the world lost a great talent, giver of kindness and wonderful soul despite his reported flaws. Alison Bill, mentioned her grandmother saw him perform for her 19th birthday I believe and he saying happy birthday to her. What a wonderful memory to carrry with you your whole life!

Thank you Kristen, I am so glad you liked it and it resonated with you.

The tribute by the New York Times must’ve been one great tribute! 💜✨🙏🤗

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Like many women my age, I’m older and wiser, yet not a fan of cancel culture. Most of us are not perfect, and I am no nurse angel. I love remembering the music and magic of Frankie. Well done as always Charlotte!

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Sending you much love Kristin, I appreciate you so much. At 70 years old I am not a huge fan of cancel culture either because that was my wife. It’s like saying everything you did and everything you remembered is just canceled. Well they can live their life and I can live in mine, lol! I love these entertainers he in original life during the 50s 60s 70s and beyond. May they all rest in peace among the angels. I’m sure they are singing from above. 🙏🎵🎶😇🎵🎶🙏

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Excellent writing about my favorite crooner. Just another day at the office for you Charlotte. What a great job you had. Being able to check out Frank Sinatra’s show every night. The life you lead my dear.

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Love you MsA! Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

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Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Great back story on Sinatra, Vegas and how things were, Charlotte!

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Thank you so much Janine! I’m happy it resonated! Thank you very much for reading it and commenting. Have a beautiful evening!🥰🥰🥰

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Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

What a wonderful read Charlotte! I am so sentimental about this era! My dad would sing this song (with his cool blue eyes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQIZ-Esbg_c The Best Is Yet To Come! I can see him dancing with my mom. Oh tears. As you said in a past story, it's hard to imagine a star as big as Sinatra not feeling the isolated with so much success and so many fans. He didn't have a normal life and had to keep riding that wave. Tiring. Too bad it got to him. All the details about JFK and their relationship, reminds me of how annoyed I am today that movie stars seem to decide who runs this country (although my parents loved JFK, an "original" party guy, who's beliefs and values were much different than today) but I digress, nothing has changed. Anyways, you hit it out of the park again! Thank you so much for these stories! oxox

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Thank you very much Deborah , I always appreciate your response to my posts. I love that song and it also brings tears to my eyes too. Thank you! 🤗 Sinatra had a way of doing that with his music. Moving you through many emotions, and tapping into your essence. He made you feel a little more through his music on every level.

I think politics and Hollywood are bedmates. When you do a deep dive into it you begin to understand the influence different government agencies have on the entertainment industry. Especially the CIA. Hollywood and especially the stars are used for political agendas despite whether the actor or actress understands that control. If that makes sense.

Sending you much appreciation and I hope you have a magical weekend! 💜🤗✨

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Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Fantastic post, Charlotte! My dad is a huge Sinatra fan and I grew up listening to his music. I can’t wait to tell him that his name should have been Martin. Great bio and work by you. I’ll have to put on some Sinatra while we get dinner ready later!

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I hope dinner was great listening to Marty! 🎶🎵😗

Thank you for commenting here, John! Have a magical weekend! 🥰🥰🥰

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Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

Fabulous, Charlotte! I love how you opened this one, too. How neat that you were able to catch his performances during your run Vegas! Thanks for this interesting history ❤️

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Thank you Jenn, this one was tough to write, because there is so much to his story had to leave on the editing floor. I can actually write another Substack just on him from a different angle! Sending you much love and hope you enjoy a fabulous weekend 🥰🥰🥰

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Jul 14Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

That’s incredible! I hope there is a part two someday. My weekend has been pretty good, I hope yours has been, too! Enjoy a most beautiful Sunday!

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Yes I think in the sometime near future I will do a part two. I started thinking about it and it’s a great idea. You and @Trudi Nicola Planted that seed! Thank you for the suggestion!✨🤗💜

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Jul 15Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

I will be looking forward to it ☺️❤️

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🥰🥰🥰

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Jul 13Liked by Charlotte Pendragon

So great a piece. I love hearing about Sinatra because I had never really understood his celebrity since I was a Beatles and all that hippie stuff kind of person. Now I enjoy his songs-"When I was 17", I think it is one of the most incredible songs I've listened to.

Your stack brings the person to life.

Thank you, Charlotte

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Lol! The Beatles came on the scene when I was in the third grade. My older sister just went crazy! And my husband fell in love with music of course because of the Beatles and he is who he is today because of the Beatles. My parents generation was Frank Sinatra’s generation. We had his albums at home and I grew up with this music so needless to say he’s one of my favorite artists. Although there was a time in my teen years win Led Zeppelin was my favorite. Lol!

Thank you so much for meeting my article and I am so happy and thrilled you liked it! I appreciate you come in teen as well. Have a beautiful weekend and stay magical!💜✨🤗

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