Sinatra and Me
In the Wee Small Hours
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4.3 • 110 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
This intimate, revealing portrait of Frank Sinatra—from the man closest to the famous singer during the last decade of his life—features never-before-seen photos and new revelations about celebrities like Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Sam Giancana, Madonna, and Bono. “If you are a Frank fan, buy this book” (Jimmy Kimmel).
More than a hundred books have been written about the legendary crooner. Every detail of his life fascinates—from his music and acting career to his personal relationships, business dealings, swanky style, and rumored mob ties. Until now, much of his inner world remained elusive.
Written by Tony Oppedisano, Sinatra’s longtime confidant and road manager, Sinatra and Me offers an extraordinary, first-person look at the singing idol, with “new information on almost every page” (The Wall Street Journal). Over more than two thousand late-night conversations, Sinatra shared stories about family, fame, friendships, musical triumphs, failures, affairs, and the burden of celebrity.
From Sinatra’s complex relationship with his father and record companies to his Vegas nightlife, romances with iconic women, legendary performances, and dedication to his craft, this memoir sheds light on the man behind the myth.
In the final chapters, Oppedisano recounts tending to Sinatra’s family, mediating difficult conflicts, and even being by his side during his final moments at his residence—revealing a rare closeness few people witnessed.
“Frank Sinatra fans, pull up a chair and let longtime confidant and road manager Tony Oppedisano regale you with tales from the entertainer’s inner circle” (Parade magazine)—Sinatra and Me pulls back the curtain on a man that history has often misunderstood.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Oppedisano debuts with a remarkable look at the final years of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. The author was in his early 20s playing gigs at jazz clubs in New York when he met Frank Sinatra in 1972, "in the middle of his self-imposed (and short-lived) retirement," and became part of the singer's entourage. By the mid-'70s, he'd joined Sinatra's comeback tour as road manager. Throughout, Oppedisano describes countless late-night sessions spent talking and drinking with the notorious night owl, reminiscing about the singer's past glories performing with friend and prankster Dean Martin (who once gave Sinatra a mood ring so he could "know whether I'm addressing Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde"). In a moving recollection of the singer's final concerts, he recalls Sinatra's decision to wind down his performances after returning from a tour in Japan in 1994: "He wasn't willing to perform as a shadow of his former self." As Sinatra's health deteriorated, Oppedisano became a trusted aide to his daughters, Nancy and Tina, and to Sinatra's wife, Barbara—the only other person with him when the singer, whom Oppedisano "loved like a second father," died. This fascinating and intimate account stands out among the dozens of books written about the celebrated legend.
Customer Reviews
The Later Years
Readable bio of Sinatra’s later years (80s-90s), which doesn’t get much coverage in other, better known biographies of the singer.
Didn’t want to finish
This book is by far the best biography I have ever read. I loved reading Tony O’s book and could imagine I was there with them, laughing, chatting, drinking. He pulls the reader right into the stories.
I learned a lot about one of the greatest, Frank Sinatra, through this book, some I didn’t like, some I loved, I’m just thrilled to be let in on some of the intimate moments between friends.
When reading about Frank’s passing away, I bawled my eyes out. I almost felt like I’d lost a friend.
I didn’t want the book to end, a little bit like Frank not wanting his last performance to end.
Alas, it had to happen.
I would recommend anyone who likes Ole Blue Eyes, to read this book and immerse themselves in the stories. You won’t regret it.
Tony O is great!!
Very moving tribute to Frank Sinatra by the man who was with him to the end! Sad to read about Barbara and Frank’s two “daughters” always arguing over Frank’s things. Too bad none of them ever learned to make their own money! Great book!