For the March Christ Church meeting we had a marvellously entertaining talk from Barry Humphreys, on the life of one of the most popular singers of the 20th Century, Old Blue Eyes, otherwise known as Frank Sinatra.
The talk covered his start in life as the only son of a first generation, fairly affluent, family, We followed the early years, learning his craft, with a lot of help from his dynamic and supportive mum. Frank’s lifelong, more than tenuous link with the nefarious ‘Godfathers’ was presented and the talk finished off with his super star status.
During the presentation, Frank’s ability was praised, that he could not only sing with perfect pitch and timing, but that his acting skills matched the best Hollywood could offer.
Considered a handsome man, with his very distinctive blue eyes, Frank Sinatra also managed a very busy love life. An early marriage and family with his first wife Nancy, followed by Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow and finally Barbara Marx. A raft of famous ‘flings’ in between included Judy Garland, Lauren Bacall and Marilyn Monroe to name just a few!
Barry’s talk was illustrated with some amazing archive photos, narrated with much humour and he accompanied himself on guitar, to sing many of Sinatra’s famous songs, backed by most of our members singing along.
Nostalgia at its best.
