BY DAN RATHER AND TEAM STEADY
credit: Getty Images
Through the magic of technology, Frank Sinatra was able to record an album of duets without having to be in the same room with his collaborators. The album, aptly named, “Duets,” was released 32 years ago today. It became the best selling album of his career.
Because all the duets were digitally created to pair with the performances of other singers, there aren’t any videos of Sinatra singing with Aretha Franklin, or Tony Bennett, or Barbra Streisand, much as we wish there were. But it got us thinking and searching for a great Sinatra duet. And boy, did we find one. It is our reason to smile.
In April 1967, jazz great Ella Fitzgerald joined Sinatra live on stage to sing “The Lady Is A Tramp” for a television special. The result is music magic. It’s pretty clear from their chemistry why Sinatra wanted Fitzgerald on his “Duets” album. Sadly, she was not well enough to participate.
“The Lady Is A Tramp” was written by famed duo Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the musical “Babes in Arms.” The show tune makes fun of New York society, contrasting social pretensions with a desire for authenticity.
NYA Thanks Dan Rather and Team Steady!