Frank Sinatra says, “Tom Dreesen, my main man.” Courtesy of Tom Dreesen /TomDreesen.com
Throughout his many years in show business, Tom Dreesen has made over 500 appearances on national television as a stand-up comedian, including more than 60 appearances on The Tonight Show where He was a favorite guest of David Letterman, and frequently hosts the show in Letterman’s absence.
In addition to Mr. Dreesen’s success, Dreesen had the distinct role of touring across the country as the opening act for Frank Sinatra, appearing countless acts throughout the hottest venues in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Reno and Atlantic City with artists in addition to Sinatra from the likes Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, Natalie Cole and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Approaching nearly 50 years in show business, Tom Dreesen is currently appearing across the. Country in the his acclaimed one-man show “An Evening Of Laughter and Memories of Sinatra.” Showcasing his saloon comedic style to which Sinatra himself described just as Tom’s style as Sinatra was that in the sense musically as a saloon singer., where he tells the story of his days in in the south side of Chicago and rise to fame as forming the first biracial comedy duo of Tim and Tom and his days working along the likes of Sinatra.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Tom Dreesen who recently appears in the award winning Leo Zahn directed documentary‘Sinatra Palm Springs which focuses Sinatra’s generosity and devotion to his craft as we look back at the legend of Sinatra who passed Way 20 years ago this month.
LISTEN BELOW TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH RFP’s Michael Thomas, Jr.
An in-depth look by the iconic figure who left a lasting legacy in the city of Palm Springs, California
Featuring interviews with Barbara Sinatra, Mel Haber, Tom Dreesen, Nelda Linsk, Bruce Fessier, Trini Lopez, Michael Fletcher, and others who knew and lived and played with Frank Sinatra. Q+A with director and guests follows screening. A Picture Palace Release of a Mirage Films Production. Running time: 92 mins. Photo Courtesy of miragefilms.tv
Nearly 20 years after his death The life and legacy of Frank Sinatra continues unveil itself throughout the years as the legacy of this iconic personality lives on. Just 3 years ago Sinatra was celebrated all year long to mark what would had been his 100th birthday with celebrity specials and more. After nearly two decades since Sinatra had left his world on a string, so to speak, Sinatra is even more revered by generations of new and old.
Sinatra was a true multimedia giant as an entertainer of film and song through his diverse music catalogue that spanned 6 decades. It’s this legacy that had him heralded as the voice of the century in popular music. As the years pass, we continue to remember the cultural and iconic who called out bigotry and promoted civil rights when it wasn’t cool, pacing way for great minority entertainers, backing political figures and teaching us about love and limitless through his impeccable phrasing that truly voiced a generation through popular music that’s heard at weddings funerals and with a glass of wine at the dinner table. It’s that voice that today, even after a generation has passed, that we understand more about the personal Sinatra who did great for the common good of mankind often in anonymity.
In the latest documentary by director Leo Zahn, Sinatra Palm Springs, The Place He Called Home’, explores Frank Sinatra’s deep attachment to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, his primary home for almost 50 years. The film encapsulates the essence of the Sinatra era while pay homage to the unique lifestyle of Sinatra’s Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage; you”ll learn the amazing contributions Sinatra made a legacy that’s still felt, heard, and seen today.
Since its initial screening in February of this year, the film has earned roaring praise to sell out crowd of all ages, most recently premiering at this Phoenix Film Festival earlier this month. We had a chance to chat with The director of Sinatra Palm Springs, Leo Zahn on his film.
Postcards from a Dream: Memories of Mr. S Paperback – by Janice Easterling Brustman (Author)
Listen to the interview here:
Postcards from a Dream: Memories of Mr. S
The man was Sinatra and “his way” keeps growing to this day nearly twenty years after his death in 1998. A man imperfect in every way but a man whom personified pop culture and popular music in a way that will live on beyond our lives and carries on for the ages. Sinatra represented the first generational wave of Americans taking storm across at the time for what was a booming country full of people of all races and religions and affiliation. Sinatra kept his deemed “ethnic” name at time as he took on show business. We lived through his ups and his downs. His brush with World dignitaries, starlets, and US campaigns. Sinatra to a sense was “us” in every way. During his life, He was in our lives through every medium; radio, TV, film, record, etc. The man sang like Shakespeare wrote, talked with comfort and swag of his hometown of Hoboken, NJ. He loved like true a lover, many times helplessly and sometime unrequitedly to the point of suicidal thoughts. He was an Italian tempered-man. He loved like a romantic Italian father and man does; soft and gentle. He was a loving father, papa to his grandchildren, loving son and devoted friend and lover to all he loved including his four wives. He fought for what was right when it wasn’t deemed acceptable. Sinatra was a kind-hearted, soul deep down, loyal to those whom loved and admired him and returned the same. Always.
A memoir revolving around author Janice Easterling’s years working for Frank Sinatra and his wife Barabara 1976-1980. Includes never before seen, mementos, letters, and personal photos of Frank Sinatra and their homes in Rancho Mirage, CA & NYC apartment at the Waldorf-Astoria Towers. Delve into one of the most integral and iconic pop-culture figures of Modern history from the memory bank of one lady whom worked along Frank Sinatra and his wife Barbara.
Author Postcards from a Dream: Memories of Mr. S, Janice Easterling-Brustman, stays true to her title chronicling her best recollection working for the man many knew Frank Sinatra the man of popular song, dance and film.
She describers her book a bucket list item in which she expressed, “ finally getting around to pour out my memories as best I could. Now around the same age of what of the late Mr. Frank Sinatra and his surviving wife, Barbara Sinatra, she knew it was time to give others a glimpse of the more casual, intimate, lighter-side of Frank, through her own interpretation through various mementos such as Polaroid shots, notes, postcards, newspaper clippings, programs, snippets of Frank’s favorite snacks and requests and much more!
From stories of traveling with the family to Mr. Sinatra’s first and historic visit Brazil in 1980 where hundreds of thousands lined- up to-catch a glimpse as many knew as “ The Voice of The Century”.
From other global excursions following Frank Sinatra and his wife as he continued performing for people all across the globe.
Author of Postcard from Dreams of Memories of Mr. S., Janice Easterling looks off the 8th floor balcony of the Churchill Suite in Monte Carlo, Monaco Describing of her time with Frank in 1977 “This is where you’d usually find me, back at the hotel….Wherever we were. He didn’t like being left alone.” Featured in Postcards From a Dream, 2016. POSTCARDS FROM A DREAM @ Amazon Copyright 2016
Among the memories of many excusions came fond memories of Frank’s closes friend one of whom Janice became well-acquanited to during her time with the Sinatra family. One of those friends was Jill Rizzo.
Frank’s long time buddy, Jilly Rizzo & Janice taking a break from errands in Monaco. Then back to the hotel!!
Omg her memories, she shares in the book is Frank signature’s friend, Jilly whom Janice desires; ” was a typical “fugget about it kinda guy; he was there for Frank always.” “He and Sinatra (Frank) would fight like you’ve never heard then make-up by the next day!”
“I just wanted to share what it was like to watch someone so prolific like Frank Sinatra, working through him for four years seeing the very best and worst, they become a part of your family.”
Pick up a copy of “Postcards from a Dream: Memories of Mr. S” By Janice Easterling available on Amazon on kindle and paperback.
Frank Sinatra says, “Tom Dreesen, my main man.” Courtesy of Tom Dreesen /TomDreesen.com
Author of Postcard from Dreams of Memories of Mr. S., Janice Easterling looks off the 8th floor balcony of the Churchill Suite in Monte Carlo, Monaco Describing of her time with Frank in 1977 “This is where you’d usually find me, back at the hotel….Wherever we were. He didn’t like being left alone.” Featured in Postcards From a Dream, 2016. POSTCARDS FROM A DREAM @ Amazon Copyright 2016
Frank’s long time buddy, Jilly Rizzo & Janice taking a break from errands in Monaco. Then back to the hotel!!