Frank Sinatra is Not Dead

Written By Mike Greenblatt

No one spoke to heartbreak, loneliness and sadness like Frank Sinatra of Hoboken. His 1970 Watertownalbum, although not a hit at the time of its release, has grown in stature to now be considered a masterpiece. This concept album tells the story, in 10 tracks plus 8 bonus tracks, of a working man with children whose wife leaves. The sense of defeat, of utter forlornness, is palpable.

Then there’s “Lady Day.” Frank loved Billie Holiday. He even went to visit her on her deathbed. The story goes that she clutched his lapel, drew him close, and whispered in his ear to get her some heroin. He tried. But failed. She died. And he cried over her for days. You can hear the hurt as he sings for her.

Mike Greenblatt

MIKE GREENBLATT has been writing for Goldmine magazine and New Jersey's Aquarian Weekly for more than 35 years. His writing subjects fill the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

He's interviewed Joe Cocker, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Carlos Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Johnny Cash, and members of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. He was 18 when he attended Woodstock in 1969.

In addition to writing about music, Greenblatt has worked on publicity campaigns for The Animals, Pat Benatar, Johnny Winter, Tommy James and Richard Branson, among others. He is currently the editor of The Jersey Sound.

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