Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

where i stand:

Sinatra’s spirit strengthens the fabric of our city

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Hank Greenspun

Happy birthday, Mr. Sinatra.

This week marks the 100th birthday of the Chairman of the Board. Of course, Frank Sinatra is no longer with us, but his music, spirit and all-American attitude are brighter than ever.

My father, Hank Greenspun, was a close and dear friend of Mr. Sinatra’s, a bond that was forged in 1948 and remained strong until their deaths.

Hank wrote many Where I Stand columns about Frank Sinatra. Many were about his enormous contribution to Las Vegas and the music world. Some, however, focused more on the nature of the man behind all that fabulous music. One of them is being reprinted below because I believe it shows the substance of the man who never missed an opportunity to help the underdog, the underprivileged and those under the weather. It was published in the Sun on April 30, 1978.

By Hank Greenspun

Whether it’s Las Vegas, Cairo, Jerusalem or the Far East, wherever you go you’ll likely see a project that is there because of the generosity and humanity of Frank Sinatra.

A couple of months ago we took pictures of a building in Cairo known as the Frank Sinatra International Youth Center.

About 10 days back we stood with a crowd in Jerusalem as Sinatra dedicated the center at Hebrew University, and we have been to the Boys Home he endowed in Nazareth.

Years ago I was with Frank when he gave concerts to build homes for orphans in Japan and Hong Kong.

In almost every country you visit, Sinatra has made contributions to orphans, the poor, the less fortunate of our society; and has given financial support to educational institutions around the world.

It was a historic event when we traveled with him to Israel to participate in his latest philanthropic venture.

A scheduled visit with the prime minister for many of the luminaries on the Frank Sinatra caravan was changed at the last minute to a select group of four, at Sinatra’s request. He didn’t want to burden the prime minister with a large crowd.

I realized Sinatra’s decision changed what could have been a Hollywood-type occasion with flash bulbs, television lights, etc., into a very significant meeting.

Sinatra has that quality of making a commonplace occasion become a historic event, so instead of everyone posing for pictures, the visit with the prime minister turned into a serious discussion with Menachem Begin.

“They say I’m obstructing peace,” the prime minister said. “Who wants peace more than Israel?”

It was a great moment in which Begin made us privy to his most innermost thoughts.

The kind of consideration Sinatra showed for Begin is one of the reasons he has stayed on top all these years.

I tell this story to reveal a side of the man that isn’t often seen by his multitudinous fans, who might never have witnessed the compassion on his face and the sincerity of purpose when he is involved in any project that benefits mankind.

Frank Sinatra is a dedicated champion of the underdog, a spokesman for the underprivileged of our society.

The state of Nevada owes much to him. He has been the greatest single boon to our economy, and a Sinatra appearance, even in the slowest months of the year, almost guarantees sellout crowds at every Strip hotel.

Few entertainers have taken more blows or achieved greater success, and none has equaled the joy and delight he has brought into the lives of all who have heard him, whether in nightclubs or on television and in the movies.

Frank understands people, for he has been up on top and back down again, only to persevere until he again reached the top.

A legend in Las Vegas, his name is magic on a marquee and his appearance at any charitable event is assurance of success.

An honorary doctorate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is evidence of the esteem in which he is held by our community and state.

And on Tuesday Frank will continue his good works for the university when he presents a “thank you” concert for the athletic scholarship donors in the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts.

For four years Frank has hosted the annual affair and invited several of his famous friends to share the stage with him. It is expected the concert will help bring the scholarship fund drive well over last year’s record.

With Frank on stage will be Pat Boone and his daughter, Debby, whose rendition of “You Light Up My Life” at the Academy Awards was so impressive.

Las Vegas’ own lovable Totie Fields will be there, and Ed McMahon is scheduled to do the honors as master of ceremonies.

The star attraction will be Dr. Frank Sinatra in what has been billed as “Another Evening with Frank Sinatra and Friends.”

Frank is still doing it his way, and where UNLV is concerned it’s good enough for me. I’ll get my hat and go with him.

Brian Greenspun is owner, publisher and editor of the Sun.

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