A Recently Discovered Frank Sinatra "Doodle"

by Don Altobell

Have You Heard Sinatra?

Audio Magazine, December 1970

Thirty-eight years ago my father, Don Altobell, published his first Frank Sinatra article. The publication was Audio Magazine and I believe he was paid $45. Dad didn't care about the money. He was finally published and it was on a subject that he knew more about than most people.

Click each image to download and print the page.

Listen / Download:
Frank Sinatra - Jingle Bells

Rat Pack Night Martini Bar

Artist Jeff Craft has fun with my father's photo.

Visit: http://jeffcraft.us/elite/2008/06/rat-pack-night-martini-bar.html

Frank Sinatra Stamp Cachet

I recently gave eBay store owner Captain Kirk's Stamps permission to use dad's Frank Sinatra art in stamp cachets - sold exclusively on eBay. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines a cachet 1: as a design or inscription on an envelope to commemorate a postal or philatelic event 2: an advertisement forming part of a postage meter impression. All I asked for in terms of payment is that dad received proper credit. From the eBay listing:

CACHET CHAT: The late Don Altobelli's artwork is featured on this cachet [with special permissions granted by Paul Altobelli...thanx, Paul!]. We found Mr. Altobelli's style captured many of Sinatra's 'off camera' expressions. Can't you just see the 'wheels turning' in this captured moment?

Visit Captain Kirk's eBay store to view and purchase a Frank Sinatra Stamp Cachet featuring Don Altobell's artwork.

Frank Sinatra-In The Blue Of Evening

Today I discovered that Sugarbell99 used my father's pictures for a video. Here's the description Sugarbell99 left about the video:

I was requested to make a video on a rare song of Frank's so I picked this one. Hope you like it!

Frank Sinatra sings "In the blue of evening" on Reprise in 1961. Photos are of Frank Sinatra,Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Phil Silvers.

The majority of the photos are from 1959-1960 at the 500 club in Atlantic City.
Photos taken by Don Altobell

This video is dedicated to my dear friend. Here's to us buddy and to utter happiness in our futures!

Thanks Sugarbell99 for giving my father, Don Altobell, his due. My family appreciates it.

Memories of Dean, Frank & Sammy at the 500 Club

by Don Altobell

I will never forget August 26, 1962.

I was 24 at the the time and after having the good fortune of seeing Dean Martin's appearance at the 500 Club in Atlantic City on Aug 19 -- his first solo gig since his split with Jerry Lewis -- the following week gave me an added treat.

Thanks to a drawing I did of Dean, I was able to see his opening shows and also attend rehearsals. And 500 Club owner Skinny Damato introduced me to Dean, who autographed my drawing, which still hangs on my living room wall.

Fans knew that Dean's pal, Frank Sinatra, would join him midweek to conclude the engagement. Atlantic City was bursting at the seams, with all hotels, motels, and restaurants jam-packed. At the club itself, tables were pushed together to make room for more patrons. It was a bonanza time for Atlantic City long before the first casino was opened.

That closing night after early dinner, I made my way through the block-long line and was ushered inside by a policeman who remembered me after seeing me at so many shows. I didn't mind that I had no seat.

Dean was introduced as the star of the show and opened with "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" followed by "Volare," "On An Evening in Roma" and "Goody, Goody."

Then Sinatra sang, "I Get a Kick Out Of You," followed by Sammy Davis' Jr. doing "The Lady Is A Tramp." (Davis also imitated some actors singing the song including James Cagney and Marlon Brando).

Then Frank, Dean and Sammy clowned around and sang "You Are Too Beautiful," "Love Walked Right In" and "This Is My First Affair."

While Dean and Frank sang, Sammy danced to "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "Too Marvelous for Words," "It Had To Be You," and "I've Got the World on a String."

Then all three stars joined to close the show with "The Birth of the Blues."

We all left in the early morning sunlight of Monday morning before making our way to work.

It was the last time the Rat Pack ever performed as a trio in Atlantic City.

In retrospect, I must admit that their singing probably suffered, but the pure entertainment and thrill of seeing them all on the stage overcame any vocal lapses. It was a night that no one in attendance would ever forget.

--------
Click here to view more of dad's original "Rat Pack" photos and artwork.

Remembering Don Altobell - One Year Later

I started my new job today with Harte-Hanks. Harte-Hanks is a global direct and targeted marketing solutions provider. I was hired as a Search Engine Marketing Manager. Its a great position with an respected global and public company. Sadly, my hire date also marks the first anniversary of my father's passing.

I still vividly recall the chain of events one year ago today. Around 6:30am I woke up and immediately looked for my cell phone. Dad had take a turn and we knew it was only a matter of time. When I picked up my phone I noticed that I had a message. I knew before I heard the message that Dad had died.

The night before I took my family, Lisa, Rachel, Michael, and Joe, over to say our goodbye. I saw Dad smile. His smile is how I remember him. Thankfully, I can't remember what he looked like when I raced over to his home after listening to the phone message. I miss Dad's smile.

I miss a lot of things about Dad. I miss how he would laugh so hard he'd cry. I miss how he would tell me how much he loved me. I miss talking to him about baseball and boxing. I miss listing to music with him. What I miss most about Dad on this day - the day I start a my new job - is him asking me "How's your job?" He'd always ask me that question - even when I wasn't working. I know that if he were alive today he ask me "How's your job?".

Listen / Download:
Frank Sinatra - Oh, How I Miss You Tonight

My First Christmas without Dad

Remembering Don Altobell

When Dad passed seven months ago my brother, Stephen, produced a ten minute long tribute using pictures and the music of (who else) Frank Sinatra. So, if you have a few minutes, sit back and enjoy 68 years of my father's life.