John Williams and Frank Sinatra

[Muad'Dib 1,801]

I've been wondering this for a long time, but we know that Johnny and Sinatra had a very friendly relationship and worked together a couple together a couple of times, in None But The Brave and the song The Same Hello, The Same Goodbye.

I believe Johnny has mentioned that he arranged and conducted some concerts for Frankie, so I was mostly curious if we know of these concerts our Johnny conducted? I haven't been able to find anything online, but maybe someone else knows something we don't.

It's merely curiosity. It would be nice to see him conducting one of his concerts, or hear some of the arrangements he did for him.

On another note, I find it puzzling that he never invited Frankie to sing with the Pops.

[Josh500 1,615]

One of the very best BPO albums! Criminally underrated on this board, but I love this to bits!

[Incanus 5,713]

One of the very best BPO albums! Criminally underrated on this board, but I love this to bits!

I think it has more to do with the fact that despite JW conducting the Boston Pops this album doesn't have any JW music on it.

Btw are the arrangements on that album by JW?

[Miguel Andrade 1,262]

No Williams arrangements on that disc, but still a wonderful one.

I believe there was a concert Williams conducted in LA for Sinatra, at the Bowl or the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion... Can't recall where I read that, but I remember seeing some article with that mentioned.

[Josh500 1,615]

One of the very best BPO albums! Criminally underrated on this board, but I love this to bits!

I think it has more to do with the fact that despite JW conducting the Boston Pops this album doesn't have any JW music on it.

Btw are the arrangements on that album by JW?

As Miguel said, no, unfortunately arrangements are not by JW. Some were done by Angela Morley. But I can't help but feel that JW still worked on the pieces (a little); at least he approved them...

Still, I love this album! Incredibly well-played by the BPO... Great listen if you are in the right light-hearted mood!

[Thor 7,478]

Frank Sinatra also performed Williams' "Dream Away" from MAN WHO LOVED CAT DANCING on this album:

[Kendal_Ozzel 36]

That reminded me to order this album. Had been meaning to for that song for a long time. Plus, his recording of "Send in the Clowns" on there is great too.

[Junion 107]

If you didn`t know it yet. John Williams was also session pianist along with Bill Miller on three tracks of the amazing Sinatra album "Frank Sinatra Sings For Only The Lonely"!

 

https://sinatraology.com/person/view/870

 

 

[PokeDocMatt 57]

11 hours ago, Junion said:

If you didn`t know it yet. John Williams was also session pianist along with Bill Miller on three tracks of the amazing Sinatra album "Frank Sinatra Sings For Only The Lonely"!

 

https://sinatraology.com/person/view/870

 

 

Sinatra is my third musical passion after JW and Edvard Grieg. I had no idea about this connection! Guess I’m not a real fan…  

[Miguel Andrade 1,262]

From what I posted at the discography thread:

 

Quote

Early years in NYC - Young Johnny attends radio broadcast where his father works as percussionist with Sinatra singing;

1958 - Williams plays on a few of the songs for "Only The Lonely" album;

1965 - Williams scores "None But the Brave", the only film Sinatra directed;

1973 - Sinatra records Williams' song "Dream Away" for his "Old Blue Eyes Back" album;

1970's - Williams and the Bergmans work on a 4-song cycle for Sinatra, which he ended never performing. Only surviving song is "The Same Hello, The Same Goodbye";

1984 - "Sinatra and Company", Williams conducts members of the NY Phil in a gala with Sinatra, Pavarotti and more;

1993- "Night and Day: Boston Pops Celebrate Sinatra" released.

 

I think I'm missing something, but can't remember what... Also, I think Williams did conduct for Sinatra at the Hollywood Bowl once, but can't recall the source of that.

Now, there is an interesting story, that I've always though might have something to do with Sinatra. Back in the early 90's, Williams mentioned in several interviews he was trying to bring to the Pops this great celebrity, but things never materialized. He went to the point of saying, sometime in late '93 or early '94, that doing "Schindler's List" in Boston with Perlman, was kind of a consolation prize for being unable to bring this always unmentioned guest to Boston. Anyway, in the back of my head I've always wondered if he was referring to Frank Sinatra.