It couldn't have been easy. Frank Sinatra Jr., son of the most famous singer of his time, decided to become a singer in his own right.
He was to be inevitably compared to his father and the comparison was to be inevitably to his detriment.
He sang in Nevada cabarets, drew crowds primarily out of curiosity, and garnered mediocre reviews. There were no lucrative movie contracts or hit songs (not even one hit song).
Even his kidnapping in 1963 was met with criticism. He was taken from Harrah's Tahoe Lodge while playing a cabaret engagement and transported to Canoga Park. Many called the entire incident a publicity stunt.
The irony is that Frank Jr. has finally gotten his due. He was never a terrible singer – in fact, he's quite good. He learned his craft with some big bands, and in his father's later years conducted the orchestra for the old man. He now embraces the inevitable, performing tributes to his father. He's even earned some acting cred, having appeared in "The Sopranos."
Frank Sinatra Jr. plays Harrah's Tahoe this Saturday, back at the scene, only this time in the big room.
Also this week, Buckbean Brewing Co. brings the first "Canfest" to the Grand Sierra on Friday. This is an international beer judging and tasting for canned beer.
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