It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Frank Sinatra. As a teacher, I put Frank Sinatra extra credit questions on every test, reward kids with Frank Sinatra extra credit tokens and often play Sinatra for the kids as they work in class. When I first started teaching, I gained a little notoriety when I created the
Frank Sinatra Detention Club. When kids got a detention, they came in after school and I played 30 minutes of Frank Sinatra music for them. And, I sometimes sang as well.
It was a slow newsday back in September, 1992.
For a few days, the story was all over; first on the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times and then on the front page of USA Today. Then came the calls and the shows: local radio, Good Morning America and even a joke by Jay Leno on the Tonight Show.
It was crazy. People thought my "punishment" was funny. I, however, never saw it as a punishment. I saw it as a means of introducing students to the great Frank Sinatra.
Here we are 24 years later and Sinatra makes an appearance once in a while on Vinyl Voyage Radio. Of course, Old Blue Eyes can be heard occasionally during regular rotation; there is more probability of hearing a Sinatra tune during the Vinyl Brunch on weekend mornings, however.
Until now, that is. Premiering next month is a new show on Vinyl Voyage. It is called The Afternoon Croon.
For two hours on each Sunday afternoon, I will select the best from Sinatra and his friends: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Nat King Cole and many more. Join us on February 14 for the premiere episode. Each episode will feature Sinatra quotes and trivia as well. For two hours each Sunday, you can step into Sinatra's world. If only for a little while.
Only on Vinyl Voyage Radio.
The first episode of The Afternoon Croon is in bag. An hour devoted to Frank Sinatra and friends is never an hour wasted. Along with Ol' Blue Eyes, we featured Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Vic Damone, Harry Connick, Jr., and Michael Bublé. Plus, a couple of Sinatra's duets featuring Liza Minnelli and Anita Baker.
