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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, May 18, 2008

SINATRA
Radio special to commemorate Sinatra's career

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Gannett News Service photo

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'SINATRA'

Hosted by Guy Steele

5 p.m. Sunday

KIPO 89.3 FM,

Hawaii Public Radio

Listen online: www.hawaiipublicradio.org

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett in Reno, Nev., in 1980.

Associated Press library photo

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Every Sunday, Guy Steele does a one-hour radio program on Frank Sinatra. This week, to honor the 10th anniversary of the legendary singer's death, Steele will attempt to condense about 50 years of Sinatra's career into 60 minutes.

The Advertiser asked Steele what readers can expect.

Q. What would I learn about Frank Sinatra from listening to your special?

A. You'd learn that he was a great song stylist ... probably the greatest interpreter of songs in the 20th century. The thing that makes the music so great is not only his interpretation, but his high standard of musicianship and his charisma and the orchestra playing behind. His voice was really incredible and brought out feelings in the listener — either great sadness or tremendous joy. He was one of a kind, really. It's amazing.

Q. How did you become a Frank Sinatra fan?

A. When I was in college, I bought a double Sinatra LP one time. ("I've Got You Under My Skin") was the one song I knew on there. I only half-listened to both LPs. In my mind, I was thinking, "This is old fuddy duddy music. This is music my parents listen to." After really listening to the album, though, I ended up loving every single song on the album and collecting everything I could get my hands on.

Q. What album would you recommend to get someone interested in Sinatra?

A. "Songs for Swingin' Lovers!" ... All the songs on the album are great.

Q. Why does Sinatra continue to have appeal today?

A. I think it's the high quality of his music. I think people really respect it for what it is. It's really timeless stuff. There's so little of it today. That's what makes it so appealing.

Q. Are there artists today who compare with Sinatra?

A. Michael Bublé, Tony Bennett — he's still performing — and Harry Connick Jr. Those three come to mind. Certainly no one approaches Sinatra, though. He's at the top of the mountain.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.