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(Note, due to the fact that the internet is
constantly changing, and items that
are posted change, I have copied excerpts of the text, but give all
the credits available.) |
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“Old Blue Eyes” at the Waldorf Astoria
by
Erin Allsop, Archivist of The Waldorf Astoria
New York
May
9th, 2014 |
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Frank Sinatra performing in the Wedgwood
Room, 1944. Photographed
by Leo Borr, courtesy of the Waldorf-Astoria, New York. |
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“Old Blue Eyes”
at the Waldorf Astoria |
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Many types of people have graced the halls and rooms of our
glamorous hotel – princes, movie stars, famous singers and
dancers – however, there is only one major figure that not
only began his career in our famous hotel, but chose to
reside here as well. That person is none other than Old Blue
Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.
On a hot August day in 1944, MCA talent agent Sonny Werblin
burst into the office of Frank Ready (the manager of the
Waldorf Astoria Hotel) sharing his concern of being unable
to find a new act to open for the Wedgwood Room; which he
had promised Lucius Boomer he would do within 24 hours.
Frank Ready replied calmly, “Your problem isn’t so
difficult. I have a suggestion for you…It’s Sinatra! After
all, you manage him!” The next day Werblin had proposed the
idea to Lucius Boomer. Boomer was hesitant. At
29, Sinatra was very young and the youthful crowd he
attracted was not consistent with the traditional Waldorf
clientele. A few nights later, Frank Ready sat down with
Lucius Boomer and his wife in the Starlight Roof. Over a
cocktail, Ready asked Mrs. Boomer what she thought of
Frank Sinatra she replied – “He is absolutely wonderful!” .
The next day Werblin received instructions to book Frank
Sinatra at the Waldorf Astoria
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for one show after midnight. Sinatra’s effect, while
controversial, was momentous. He attracted “the kids” but
Park Avenue people came to listen to him as well – in fact,
the velvet rope on the Wedgwood Room was never more
strained! Immediately after his debut in our hotel, Frank
Sinatra’s career took off booking shows all over the country
and eventually the world. By 1964, after the death of Cole
Porter, Sinatra was world renown. He and his wife Barbara
moved into The Cole Porter Suite – Suite 33A as permanent
residents of The Towers where they resided until 1988. Frank
Sinatra’s talent and those charming blue eyes attracted fans
from all walks of life both young and old, the nostalgia and
excitement that comes from hearing his music is experienced
by most, if not all.
Imagine if Lucius Boomer had decided against booking
Frank Sinatra in the Wedgwood Room on that August evening?
As the hotel’s archivist, I obtain information on some of
the “grand debuts” and first moments that have occurred
within these walls since 1931 but the history behind Frank
Sinatra’s debut is by far my most favorite. Frank Sinatra
once said “the best revenge is massive success” and massive
success certainly was achieved! |
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