So this DJ in NYC is playing all these Sinatra tunes...

[speedoo]

these are tapes of performances by Sinatra on the radio, etc. but songs he never actually recorded. Dozens of them. And my mind is blown.... any of these would have been magnificent records, but for whatever reason, Sinatra never made recordings of them. They are all so fresh, he is backed up by small combos, clearly enjoying himself with his fellow musicians.

Sinatra certainly had his imperfections as a man, but there is no doubt in my mind that he was the greatest popular singer of all time. Just an incredible talent.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Are you listening to WNYC?

Saturdays and Sundays are done by a guy - can't think of his name - and almost all he plays is Sinatra tunes. Ostensibly the show is all about music in that genre: Sinatra, Dean Martin, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennet, Sammy Davis, etc. - but it ends up being about 80% Sinatra.

Sinatra was indeed in a class all by himself.

[speedoo]

2. Yes. Jonathan Schwartz.

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/schwartzsat/

He does play a lot of Sinatra. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Sinatra, as he is displaying today. Anyway, who can blame him? It's Sinatra.

But I usually enjoy Schwartz' show... he plays an eclectic selection. For example, a little while ago, he was raving about Carly Simon's new CD, and for good reason. It's really superb.

on edit... I believe Schwartz actually segments his show. He has specific "Sinatra Hours", and then everything else the rest of the time.

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. That's it! Jonathan Schwartz!

I would often listen to him for an hour, but then I couldn't take it any more. Good music, yes - but not quite my cup of tea for extended listening. I loved listening to Schwartz, though - as you said, encyclopedic knowledge, and had a lot of great and wodnerful stories!

[latebloomer]

4. He used to have a whole show devoted to Sinatra

but now he just has the 1 PM hour on Saturdays and Sundays.

Not many places you can hear that fabulous music these days.