What do you think?
Rate this book
Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours
This intimate, revealing portrait of Frank Sinatra—from the man closest to the famous singer during the last decade of his life—features never-before-seen photos and new revelations about some of the most famous people of the past fifty years, including Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Sam Giancana, Madonna, and Bono. “If you are a Frank fan, buy this book” (Jimmy Kimmel).
More than a hundred books have been written about legendary crooner and actor Frank Sinatra. Every detail of his life seems to his career, his romantic relationships, his personality, his businesses, his style. But a hard-to-pin-down quality has always clung to him—a certain elusiveness that emerges again and again in retrospective depictions. Until now.
From Sinatra’s closest confidant and an eventual member of his management team, Tony Oppedisano, comes an extraordinarily intimate look at the singing idol that offers “new information on almost every page” ( The Wall Street Journal ). Deep into the night, for more than two thousand nights, Frank and Tony would converse—about music, family, friends, great loves, achievements and successes, failures and disappointments, the lives they’d led, the lives they wished they’d led. In these full-disclosure conversations, Sinatra spoke of his close yet complex relationship with his father, his conflicts with record companies, his carousing in Vegas, his love affairs with some of the most beautiful women of his era, his triumphs on some of the world’s biggest stages, his complicated relationships with his talented children, and, most important, his dedication to his craft.
Toward the end, no one was closer to the singer than Oppedisano, who kept his own rooms at the Sinatra residences for many years, often brokered difficult conversations between family members, and held the superstar entertainer’s hand when he drew his last breath.
“Frank Sinatra fans, pull up a chair and let longtime confidante and road manager Tony Oppedisano regale you with tales from the entertainer’s inner circle” ( Parade magazine)— Sinatra and Me pulls back the curtain on a man whom history has, in many ways, gotten wrong.
More than a hundred books have been written about legendary crooner and actor Frank Sinatra. Every detail of his life seems to his career, his romantic relationships, his personality, his businesses, his style. But a hard-to-pin-down quality has always clung to him—a certain elusiveness that emerges again and again in retrospective depictions. Until now.
From Sinatra’s closest confidant and an eventual member of his management team, Tony Oppedisano, comes an extraordinarily intimate look at the singing idol that offers “new information on almost every page” ( The Wall Street Journal ). Deep into the night, for more than two thousand nights, Frank and Tony would converse—about music, family, friends, great loves, achievements and successes, failures and disappointments, the lives they’d led, the lives they wished they’d led. In these full-disclosure conversations, Sinatra spoke of his close yet complex relationship with his father, his conflicts with record companies, his carousing in Vegas, his love affairs with some of the most beautiful women of his era, his triumphs on some of the world’s biggest stages, his complicated relationships with his talented children, and, most important, his dedication to his craft.
Toward the end, no one was closer to the singer than Oppedisano, who kept his own rooms at the Sinatra residences for many years, often brokered difficult conversations between family members, and held the superstar entertainer’s hand when he drew his last breath.
“Frank Sinatra fans, pull up a chair and let longtime confidante and road manager Tony Oppedisano regale you with tales from the entertainer’s inner circle” ( Parade magazine)— Sinatra and Me pulls back the curtain on a man whom history has, in many ways, gotten wrong.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published June 8, 2021
367 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 4, 2021
4 Stars
My love for entertainment biographies drew me to this tome, especially since I had only a generic knowledge of ole "Blue Eyes". I was first lured in by Sinatra's music when I saw the delightful sleeper film "Once Around" in the early 90's. The movie was about a close knit Italian family. Their daughter Renata (Holly Hunter) met much older, wildly successful entrepreneur Sam (Richard Dreyfuss) and their unlikely romance was a whirlwind that led to marriage. At that highbrow wedding, Renata's father (played by Danny Aiello) took the microphone from the wedding band to address the couple, summing it all up by singing the song that was swirling around them since their relationship's inception: "Fly me to the Moon". I was swept away by this very romantic song, and later downloaded/purchased Sinatra's infectious live performance of this track.
Author Tony Oppedisano aka "Tony O" met Sinatra at the age of 21 and ultimately became his best friend and work colleague by the time of Sinatra's death. Tony was so trusted by the Sinatra family that he was with him at the moment of death, accompanied him to the hospital morgue and was the last person to lay eyes on him when his casket was closed. Oppedisano was born in Brooklyn to an Italian family, although his reddish hair was an irony. He was like an old soul and loved to sing music like Sinatra's. Performing in clubs, he eventually met and befriended NY club owner Jilly Rizzo. Up until that point Jilly was Sinatra's very best friend and right hand man when Sinatra toured in concert. On December 8, 1972 Tony was at Jilly's and finally met Sinatra. Eventually Jilly, Tony and Sinatra became a trio of best friends, but Tony's ultimate loyalty was to Jilly. Tony moved to California to live and work with his new friends. When Jilly unexpectedly died in a grizzly car accident one night, Tony assumed the role of Sinatra's closest friend and confidant. Sinatra's ultimate happy place was a compound he owned in the California desert, and he and Tony would sit around the pool with Jack Daniels talking into the wee hours of the morning. Sinatra's normal time to get up to start his day was 3pm, so that shows just how long they would jaw into the dawn. They talked about so many things like Frank's enduring love for his first wife Nancy Sr., his view of just how Marilyn Monroe died, his relationship with the mob and his secret charity donations. This book also confirmed a surprising story that was recently revealed in author Bill O'Reilly's new book "Killing the Mob" about the mob contract out on actor/producer Desi Arnaz.
I also enjoyed reading about Sinatra and Tony's friendships with other iconic entertainment stars of the time, particularly Don Rickles (Tony worked with him before and after Sinatra's death) and Dean Martin. It also was very interesting learning of the dynamic of Sinatra's final marriage to Barbara Marx, and her tumultuous relationship with the children from Sinatra's first marriage to Nancy Sr. It was very obvious that Tony was as close as you could get as a friend to Sinatra, which led to a very enjoyable and meaningful first read about this Italian American entertainment icon.
Thank you to the publisher Scribner for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
My love for entertainment biographies drew me to this tome, especially since I had only a generic knowledge of ole "Blue Eyes". I was first lured in by Sinatra's music when I saw the delightful sleeper film "Once Around" in the early 90's. The movie was about a close knit Italian family. Their daughter Renata (Holly Hunter) met much older, wildly successful entrepreneur Sam (Richard Dreyfuss) and their unlikely romance was a whirlwind that led to marriage. At that highbrow wedding, Renata's father (played by Danny Aiello) took the microphone from the wedding band to address the couple, summing it all up by singing the song that was swirling around them since their relationship's inception: "Fly me to the Moon". I was swept away by this very romantic song, and later downloaded/purchased Sinatra's infectious live performance of this track.
Author Tony Oppedisano aka "Tony O" met Sinatra at the age of 21 and ultimately became his best friend and work colleague by the time of Sinatra's death. Tony was so trusted by the Sinatra family that he was with him at the moment of death, accompanied him to the hospital morgue and was the last person to lay eyes on him when his casket was closed. Oppedisano was born in Brooklyn to an Italian family, although his reddish hair was an irony. He was like an old soul and loved to sing music like Sinatra's. Performing in clubs, he eventually met and befriended NY club owner Jilly Rizzo. Up until that point Jilly was Sinatra's very best friend and right hand man when Sinatra toured in concert. On December 8, 1972 Tony was at Jilly's and finally met Sinatra. Eventually Jilly, Tony and Sinatra became a trio of best friends, but Tony's ultimate loyalty was to Jilly. Tony moved to California to live and work with his new friends. When Jilly unexpectedly died in a grizzly car accident one night, Tony assumed the role of Sinatra's closest friend and confidant. Sinatra's ultimate happy place was a compound he owned in the California desert, and he and Tony would sit around the pool with Jack Daniels talking into the wee hours of the morning. Sinatra's normal time to get up to start his day was 3pm, so that shows just how long they would jaw into the dawn. They talked about so many things like Frank's enduring love for his first wife Nancy Sr., his view of just how Marilyn Monroe died, his relationship with the mob and his secret charity donations. This book also confirmed a surprising story that was recently revealed in author Bill O'Reilly's new book "Killing the Mob" about the mob contract out on actor/producer Desi Arnaz.
I also enjoyed reading about Sinatra and Tony's friendships with other iconic entertainment stars of the time, particularly Don Rickles (Tony worked with him before and after Sinatra's death) and Dean Martin. It also was very interesting learning of the dynamic of Sinatra's final marriage to Barbara Marx, and her tumultuous relationship with the children from Sinatra's first marriage to Nancy Sr. It was very obvious that Tony was as close as you could get as a friend to Sinatra, which led to a very enjoyable and meaningful first read about this Italian American entertainment icon.
Thank you to the publisher Scribner for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
February 21, 2022
If you could have the person who loves you and knows you better than anyone write a book about your life story, you would be as honored as Frank Sinatra at the writing of Tony Oppedisano. I have never read a biography that was so honest, loving, loyal, and dedicated to the truth. Tony reveals things you would want to know about Frank. He settles scores with the gossip mongers and the lies of those seeking to exploit Frank. He doesn’t spare anyone’s feelings either. You can trust him and it’s easy to see why Frank trusted him as well.
This book is an easy read without a lot of useless filler and pointless facts. Every bite of this book is tasty. I enjoyed the humor, the honesty, and the timeline. You can truly see the heart of the man and the reasons behind the way he lived. This book is refreshing and I truly did not want to close the cover and now I feel saddened that I have finished it. I can’t love this book enough. God bless you Tony O, you are truly a servant and you were rewarded with the friendship of a lifetime.
This book is an easy read without a lot of useless filler and pointless facts. Every bite of this book is tasty. I enjoyed the humor, the honesty, and the timeline. You can truly see the heart of the man and the reasons behind the way he lived. This book is refreshing and I truly did not want to close the cover and now I feel saddened that I have finished it. I can’t love this book enough. God bless you Tony O, you are truly a servant and you were rewarded with the friendship of a lifetime.
June 24, 2021
This book, as the blurb correctly states, is different than the more than one hundred books written about Frank Sinatra, in that it is an upfront, close and personal book, written by a close personal friend and a person who truly understood Sinatra. As such it confirms some conclusions I had eventually made about his personality. All favorable by the way. So my scorecard goes like this: For the best biography so far; read the two part bio by James Kaplan. The best book on Sinatra's music is "The Song Is You" by Will Friedwald. This book Book by Tony O. is the best personal portrait.
April 29, 2024
I very much enjoyed this book about Frank Sinatra. It's not the usual over glorifying or dirt filled biography. The authors very close relationship with Frank right up to his death and after gave unusual Insite to his life. Lots of good stories about Frank, his famous friends and his family. I would have liked to see more pictures included in the book. A very worthwhile read for any Frank Sinatra fan.
December 1, 2021
The book Frank Sinatra and me in the wee small hours was a very enjoyable book. The book opened my eyes to the life as seen by his manager. I truly enjoyed reading it. A must read for anyone who likes nonfiction
February 9, 2022
absolutely wonderful. I haven't been moved by a book like this in a long time.
April 10, 2021
Captivating from start to finish and mandatory reading, in my opinion, for anyone seeking to understand Sinatra at length.
Truly, much has been made about the man and his off-stage endeavors (for better and worse). Where you end up regarding The Chairman is your own adventure, but I think that Oppedisano and Ross’ work here is laid bare for your consideration.
Does it cover every single solitary scandal and triumph? Of course not. The author appears to just be commenting on what he knew/was witness to during his time with Sinatra. Focusing more on the latter stages of his career, we get a very intimate look on how one of the best in show business—or any business, for that matter—dealt with changes, whether they emerged from cultural shifts, old age, and tragedies. It makes some people look pretty good in hindsight, but one person, despite Tony O. making numerous concessions to give the benefit of the doubt, simply doesn’t get out of this with an improved reputation.
The chapters are parsed crisply and cleanly, demarcated to focus on his friends, music, women, etc., with little call-back to other parts of the book. You don’t have to be a Sinatra super-fan to know who’s who; furthermore, and to the authors’ credit, you don’t get too far without also sharing in the sorrows and triumphs.
It was stated that this work was meant to separate myth from reality, and, in that regard, it’s stupendously valuable. Comparing it to other Sinatra biographies, it definitely reads more smoothly (i.e. it doesn’t come off as too academic), and I say that because I know of some fellow readers who get quickly turned off by something bogged down with a lot of citations.
Beyond its unique insight into Sinatra’s inner circle, I believe it also grants new power to the man’s music, especially his work from the mid-1970s and on. It’s not a salacious tell-all, but an earnest, warm tribute from a friend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the advance read.
Truly, much has been made about the man and his off-stage endeavors (for better and worse). Where you end up regarding The Chairman is your own adventure, but I think that Oppedisano and Ross’ work here is laid bare for your consideration.
Does it cover every single solitary scandal and triumph? Of course not. The author appears to just be commenting on what he knew/was witness to during his time with Sinatra. Focusing more on the latter stages of his career, we get a very intimate look on how one of the best in show business—or any business, for that matter—dealt with changes, whether they emerged from cultural shifts, old age, and tragedies. It makes some people look pretty good in hindsight, but one person, despite Tony O. making numerous concessions to give the benefit of the doubt, simply doesn’t get out of this with an improved reputation.
The chapters are parsed crisply and cleanly, demarcated to focus on his friends, music, women, etc., with little call-back to other parts of the book. You don’t have to be a Sinatra super-fan to know who’s who; furthermore, and to the authors’ credit, you don’t get too far without also sharing in the sorrows and triumphs.
It was stated that this work was meant to separate myth from reality, and, in that regard, it’s stupendously valuable. Comparing it to other Sinatra biographies, it definitely reads more smoothly (i.e. it doesn’t come off as too academic), and I say that because I know of some fellow readers who get quickly turned off by something bogged down with a lot of citations.
Beyond its unique insight into Sinatra’s inner circle, I believe it also grants new power to the man’s music, especially his work from the mid-1970s and on. It’s not a salacious tell-all, but an earnest, warm tribute from a friend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the advance read.
September 28, 2022
Lately I’ve been into reading memoirs and biographies featuring people from the 1950s, not only for fun but because I have a novel I’m halfway through writing that takes place in that period. When I found out that the lovely human that I know and admire, Tony Oppedisano, had his book Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours published about his life and friendship with Frank Sinatra, I definitely had to give it a read. Tony’s an old soul with a gift for telling stories so there was no doubt this would be solid read, but this book went far beyond.
If I’m completely honest, growing up, I avoided anything to do with Frank Sinatra. I bought into the narrative that Frank was a macho, homophobic womanizer connected to the mafia. Meeting Tony, and hearing his stories, taught me how wrong I was about Frank Sinatra. Oppedisano’s writing makes that even more clear.
The person who I got to know through Tony’s words was someone I would have loved to know. It’s deeply upsetting how the media changed Frank’s persona and nearly ruined a man known for his generous heart. His kind nature got to me. Other highlights were learning about the genuine people he surrounded himself with like Jilly Rizzo, Nancy Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and of course Tony himself. Frank had many gifts he’ll forever be remembered for, but one never mentioned is his gift for picking loyal friends.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Tony, and for shedding light on the actual human Frank was behind the image. This is definitely a five-star read for me.
If I’m completely honest, growing up, I avoided anything to do with Frank Sinatra. I bought into the narrative that Frank was a macho, homophobic womanizer connected to the mafia. Meeting Tony, and hearing his stories, taught me how wrong I was about Frank Sinatra. Oppedisano’s writing makes that even more clear.
The person who I got to know through Tony’s words was someone I would have loved to know. It’s deeply upsetting how the media changed Frank’s persona and nearly ruined a man known for his generous heart. His kind nature got to me. Other highlights were learning about the genuine people he surrounded himself with like Jilly Rizzo, Nancy Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and of course Tony himself. Frank had many gifts he’ll forever be remembered for, but one never mentioned is his gift for picking loyal friends.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words, Tony, and for shedding light on the actual human Frank was behind the image. This is definitely a five-star read for me.
March 31, 2021
My mom was the ultimate Sinatra fan and to her dying day had a huge poster of young Frank hanging on her closet door. My father had a passing resemblance to Frank, and I grew up with Frank singing throughout our home. Every birthday, Mother's Day, or Christmas, someone gave mom a book about Frank, a biography, a new coffee table book, whatever was out there. She loved Frank.
And so, I had to read this book. I totally enjoyed Tony Oppedisano's reminiscences about his time with Frank. At times I could smell the cigarette smoke and taste the whiskey; it felt like you were right there. Loved the descriptions of Jilly's and the scenes there. There's just so much here.
Deeply honest and heartfelt, this book is a must for anyone with a love for or an interest in Frank Sinatra. Love the man, love the music -- great book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read Sinatra and Me.
And so, I had to read this book. I totally enjoyed Tony Oppedisano's reminiscences about his time with Frank. At times I could smell the cigarette smoke and taste the whiskey; it felt like you were right there. Loved the descriptions of Jilly's and the scenes there. There's just so much here.
Deeply honest and heartfelt, this book is a must for anyone with a love for or an interest in Frank Sinatra. Love the man, love the music -- great book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read Sinatra and Me.
May 27, 2025
3/5 stars overall ⭐️
I have so much respect and reverence for Frank as an entertainer and public figure. But I also don’t know if this book shares much about him as an actual person. My expectations were obviously about Sinatra, but the author fitfully inserts himself into a lot of the biography. It’s maybe a bit too much about Tony vs. about Frank. The anecdotes are entertaining and Tony was very engrained in Frank’s life, but it’s not a particularly insightful or revealing book.
The dialogue is also is very “written” to give the gist of a story, but it comes off as wooden and inauthentic at times
Maybe this a 2025 lens on decades-old stories, but there were a lot of moments where people around Frank enabled or gave into him/his moods. I know wealth and fame makes for fairweather people and excuses, but it pops up often even in close-friend situations. That’s not a criticism of the book itself, more so a disappointment: I wondered if those close to Frank really had his best interests in mind.
I have so much respect and reverence for Frank as an entertainer and public figure. But I also don’t know if this book shares much about him as an actual person. My expectations were obviously about Sinatra, but the author fitfully inserts himself into a lot of the biography. It’s maybe a bit too much about Tony vs. about Frank. The anecdotes are entertaining and Tony was very engrained in Frank’s life, but it’s not a particularly insightful or revealing book.
The dialogue is also is very “written” to give the gist of a story, but it comes off as wooden and inauthentic at times
Maybe this a 2025 lens on decades-old stories, but there were a lot of moments where people around Frank enabled or gave into him/his moods. I know wealth and fame makes for fairweather people and excuses, but it pops up often even in close-friend situations. That’s not a criticism of the book itself, more so a disappointment: I wondered if those close to Frank really had his best interests in mind.
May 25, 2021
I received an advanced reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. There have been many books written about legendary singer Frank Sinatra and I have read several of them, but this particular book stands out for me. Tony Oppedisano was a member of Sinatra's inner circle for decades. As a much younger man, he met the older Sinatra through Jilly Rizzo--Sinatra's best friend for many years. After Jilly's untimely death, Oppedisano took his place as Sinatra's pal and confidante. As a result, Oppedisano had a first-hand, up close view of the life Sinatra led in his later years. He shared many highs and lows, as well as his experiences not so much with Sinatra the singer, but Sinatra the man. According to Oppedisano, Sinatra always retained some of the traits he picked up as a child--his quick temper and his readiness to deck someone who crossed him--or at least if he perceived that they crossed him. On the other hand, Sinatra was extremely generous to family, friends and even strangers. He often performed many acts of kindness on the Q.T.--never wanting anyone to be indebted to him or to think his generosity was a way to gain publicity. He honestly did it from his heart. Oppedisano talked about his own experiences with Sinatra and it wasn't always easy being his friend. He expected companionship 24/7 and many of his intimate pals devoted their own lives to him--Oppedisano was no exception, but he had no regrets and would do it all again. It was an interesting read and one of the better books I've found about the Chairman of the Board. Thanks to Oppedisano, we get a glimpse of what it must have been like. If you are a fan of Sinatra, you won't want to miss this one!
August 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and the inside story of Frank Sinatra and his friend Tony. The book starts off when Tony gets the call that Frank is not well and his wife Nancy is out again....Tony tells the maid to call 911 and she responds, I am not supposed to, I am supposed to call so and so first....Tony tells her to call and sets out to meet the ambulance at Cedars Sinai hospital, not knowing that it would be a final goodbye. The book then jumps to when they meet and travels throughout their relationship. Loved the stories with Sammy Jr, Dean Martin among other celebrities'. Great read!
January 25, 2022
Seemed like a very authoritative book about Frank Sinatra, full of gossip and tidbits from Frank’s four marriages. The author spent many years as Sinatra’s business manager and confidante, during the 1970’s to 1990’s. I’m not a huge fan of Ole Blue Eyes, but I’ve always wondered why so many women threw themselves at him. The author is a big fan, and he wonders why so many women chased Frank also. Lots of other top celebrities are mentioned, so it’s almost a who’s who of movie and music industries.
February 25, 2022
I'm a huge fan of Frank Sinatra, so it was nice to read about some of the more personal, non-biographical moments of his later life. As with most Sinatra stories and biographies, there are some things here that other people have disputed, so as with most disagreements, I'm sure the truth is found somewhere in the middle of it all. While nothing groundbreaking, this book is a quick and entertaining read for any Sinatra fan.
July 17, 2022
Really enjoyed this book- learned a lot not only about Frank, but about the time period, music clubs around that time, the music business, and other artists. Fascinating insights into Frank’s life.
August 17, 2021
I really liked this book, I am a really big fan and loved Tony's take on managing Frank. I learned so many things about Frank, and the best quote, "You only get one life and if you do it right, one is enough", cheers to the chairman of the board!!
May 2, 2021
This book is another attempt to make some money off of a relationship with Frank Sinatra. I found it to be borderline boring without a great deal of new information that can be found in more qualitative biographies of Frank Sinatra. As I am a fan of Sinatra, I keep getting suckered into reading these types of books. After this one, I am done.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.
June 20, 2021
As a massive Sinatra fan, this book was everything I hoped for and far MORE. I’ve read many books on Ol’ Blue Eyes, and this one has by far been my favorite. Tony does a beautiful job at capturing such wonderful and personal stories from his time with Sinatra and I couldn’t get enough. My favorite part about his storytelling is how he was able to share all aspects of Sinatra; the good, the bad, the ugly, yet he told each story with so much love and respect for him. He humanized him and gave even more depth to an already complicated, but unparalleled person. You could feel their profound connection and his admiration for him through every word. I loved everything about this book from start to finish.
April 20, 2021
I have been a Sinatra fan for many years and I was concerned another biography would reiterate what I have already read about him. It seemed what was recounted consisted of what happened that Tony was a witness to and I can appreciate that. It was not boring and read nicely. I’m sure there were more successes and failures that weren’t presented but it was a great read about an iconic musician.
April 13, 2021
This memoir of Mr Oppedisano's history with Frank Sinatra was extremely entertaining and gave the reader an insight into Sinatra's personal life. Keeps you mesmerized until the final page. A great read if you are a Sinatra fan.
January 16, 2023
I have taken this book out of the library so often without reading it the last year and a bit, they won’t even let me renew it anymore. 😂 It’s the only copy but there are never holds on it, haha. I don’t even remember where I first came across this, possibly in a magazine? But I was determined to start 2023 off with finally reading it. And I’m so glad I did.
The love and care that went into this book is breathtaking. Tony O speaks about Frank Sinatra with such respect and true knowing. It is incredible well written and I felt like I was just having cozy conversations over a drink with someone reminiscing about their friend and the good old days. Of a time well past, a time that can never be recreated. Tony O struck gold in his timing, life, and everything else to have lived such an experience with someone like Frank.
My one minor complaint about the book was that I often felt like I had no idea where in time the stories were taking place, things would jump back and forth between early Sinatra days, his low points and when he was older. But that doesn’t really matter, it’s not a timeline memoir.
While reading it I realized I truly knew nothing about Frank Sinatra, just that he was an old timey singer with the Rat Pack and spent time in old Vegas (thanks CSI and Family Guy 😅). His personal life was truly so, so sad. It felt like he had people dying around him all the time, and he was just a lost little boy struggling and never quite knowing how he got to where he was. I felt similarly when watching the Elvis movie. I never even knew he had a down period of his career, I thought he had always been on top of his game.
His wife Barbara was horrible, and I’m angry on Frank’s behalf that no one stood up to her to prevent the tension between her and Frank’s children. I know Tony O said if she’d found out about stuff he’d have lost access to Frank but he was never described as not being in his right mind to make decisions (just forgetting lyrics sometimes) so why was she in control of everything? I wish he’d spoken more about that.
I loved the stories and the intimate look at such an iconic figure from someone who truly knew him, was there and is telling honest stories. Not a bad word is spoken in these pages and I have such high respect for both Frank and Tony after closing the book.
If you’re a fan, or even if you’re not and are just mildly curious, I can’t recommend this enough. 💙
The love and care that went into this book is breathtaking. Tony O speaks about Frank Sinatra with such respect and true knowing. It is incredible well written and I felt like I was just having cozy conversations over a drink with someone reminiscing about their friend and the good old days. Of a time well past, a time that can never be recreated. Tony O struck gold in his timing, life, and everything else to have lived such an experience with someone like Frank.
My one minor complaint about the book was that I often felt like I had no idea where in time the stories were taking place, things would jump back and forth between early Sinatra days, his low points and when he was older. But that doesn’t really matter, it’s not a timeline memoir.
While reading it I realized I truly knew nothing about Frank Sinatra, just that he was an old timey singer with the Rat Pack and spent time in old Vegas (thanks CSI and Family Guy 😅). His personal life was truly so, so sad. It felt like he had people dying around him all the time, and he was just a lost little boy struggling and never quite knowing how he got to where he was. I felt similarly when watching the Elvis movie. I never even knew he had a down period of his career, I thought he had always been on top of his game.
His wife Barbara was horrible, and I’m angry on Frank’s behalf that no one stood up to her to prevent the tension between her and Frank’s children. I know Tony O said if she’d found out about stuff he’d have lost access to Frank but he was never described as not being in his right mind to make decisions (just forgetting lyrics sometimes) so why was she in control of everything? I wish he’d spoken more about that.
I loved the stories and the intimate look at such an iconic figure from someone who truly knew him, was there and is telling honest stories. Not a bad word is spoken in these pages and I have such high respect for both Frank and Tony after closing the book.
If you’re a fan, or even if you’re not and are just mildly curious, I can’t recommend this enough. 💙
January 1, 2022
I’ve always been a Sinatra fan. When kids my age were listening to The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, I played Frank on my record player. I think my parents were secretly relieved they didn’t have to listen to “that racket.”
Author and former Sinatra road manager has written a fascinating look at the private life the “The Voice” in his later years. Not always sure that I believed all of it, but I did feel like I was getting to know the man.
When the book opens, Frank is just coming out of his self-inflicted retirement. It wasn’t hard for him to get back on top. It bothered me that the first pages were mostly about the author himself. I saw very little of Ol’ Blue Eyes there.
Then the tone shifted and he began to relate antidotes that happened that and me feel close to Frank. His legendary temper. His friends. His work routine. His love lives. His generosity. Recording sessions. The feud between his wife and his children.
I found the stories about his wife, Barbara, interesting. In her memoir, “Lady Blue Eyes,” She came off as a gold-digger. And she comes off as one here also. I’m sure there was no love lost between Frank’s children and Barbara, but the way she treated him in his later years made me sad. And the way she refused to let anyone call his kids while he lay dying until she could reach her son was horrifying to me. Keep in mind her son was in New York and his kids were 10 minutes away.
I consider myself very lucky to have seen Frank live in concert twice in my lifetime. They were remarkable experiences. When I finished, I felt myself mourning the loss of the legend all over again, but maybe a little deeper after I read this memoir/biography. I felt that I had actually known him.
“Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours” 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
Author and former Sinatra road manager has written a fascinating look at the private life the “The Voice” in his later years. Not always sure that I believed all of it, but I did feel like I was getting to know the man.
When the book opens, Frank is just coming out of his self-inflicted retirement. It wasn’t hard for him to get back on top. It bothered me that the first pages were mostly about the author himself. I saw very little of Ol’ Blue Eyes there.
Then the tone shifted and he began to relate antidotes that happened that and me feel close to Frank. His legendary temper. His friends. His work routine. His love lives. His generosity. Recording sessions. The feud between his wife and his children.
I found the stories about his wife, Barbara, interesting. In her memoir, “Lady Blue Eyes,” She came off as a gold-digger. And she comes off as one here also. I’m sure there was no love lost between Frank’s children and Barbara, but the way she treated him in his later years made me sad. And the way she refused to let anyone call his kids while he lay dying until she could reach her son was horrifying to me. Keep in mind her son was in New York and his kids were 10 minutes away.
I consider myself very lucky to have seen Frank live in concert twice in my lifetime. They were remarkable experiences. When I finished, I felt myself mourning the loss of the legend all over again, but maybe a little deeper after I read this memoir/biography. I felt that I had actually known him.
“Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours” 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
June 14, 2024
A tender and intimate ode to a legend
This, in the words of Frank Sinatra, is a "simply marvelous "examination of what made Sinatra tick. I've read many books about my favorite entertainer, but this tops them all. It is hugely successful in its execution because Tony O, perhaps more than anyone outside
of Nancy Sr., got to know the soul of the man. I felt as if I got to know the real Frank Sinatra-what made him moody, philanthropic, why he feared abandonment, why he rarely went to bed before dawn, and what were his deepest regrets. Tony O, who was Frank's constant companion, friend, nurse, manager, and confidant, virtually lived with Frank for the last twenty years of his life. He spent hundreds of hours just listening to Frank pour out his soul to him. It really is a mind-boggling read. I never expected to read such intimate details of my all-time favorite personality. You will laugh out loud; the Maria Callas line is a killer. You will be furious - Barbara Sinatra's callous venal nature. (I never imagined Tina's portrayal would be replicated, but it was). You will choke up in tears and then smile with affection as stories are revealed about the complicated man that was Frank Sinatra. This book is a must-read for anyone who was ever thrilled and moved by a Sinatra song that told relatable heartfelt stories of love and lost love.
This, in the words of Frank Sinatra, is a "simply marvelous "examination of what made Sinatra tick. I've read many books about my favorite entertainer, but this tops them all. It is hugely successful in its execution because Tony O, perhaps more than anyone outside
of Nancy Sr., got to know the soul of the man. I felt as if I got to know the real Frank Sinatra-what made him moody, philanthropic, why he feared abandonment, why he rarely went to bed before dawn, and what were his deepest regrets. Tony O, who was Frank's constant companion, friend, nurse, manager, and confidant, virtually lived with Frank for the last twenty years of his life. He spent hundreds of hours just listening to Frank pour out his soul to him. It really is a mind-boggling read. I never expected to read such intimate details of my all-time favorite personality. You will laugh out loud; the Maria Callas line is a killer. You will be furious - Barbara Sinatra's callous venal nature. (I never imagined Tina's portrayal would be replicated, but it was). You will choke up in tears and then smile with affection as stories are revealed about the complicated man that was Frank Sinatra. This book is a must-read for anyone who was ever thrilled and moved by a Sinatra song that told relatable heartfelt stories of love and lost love.
September 29, 2021
This was a better than average biography. It had a sense of intimacy because of the close relationship of the author and the subject. While reading this, my son and I had a memorial service for my mother who passed at 95 at the beginning of covid and we could not give a proper Mass and memorial to. My son made a beautiful video of her life. The first song he chose with the photos of her early life was "I've Got the World on a String" by Sinatra. My mother loved Sinatra and was one of the early Bobbysoxers. I thought it was amazing that this man still impacts life and memories until today. I found it so touching that at the end he wasn't happy because so many of the things that gave him joy and made him who he was were taken from him. My mother felt the same way. The concept that Sinatra was a "ring a ding" kind of lifestyle wasn't entirely true. He was quite intelligent and philosophical. I love how he divided friends into two groups. We have all had shadow friends who are only there for you when the sun shines. I felt I got a better insight into Sinatra the man that I have gotten with any other book or material than I have read.
September 17, 2023
Tony O was a young guitar players working in New York when he met Jilly Rizzo, Frank Sinatra's long time friend, road manager, and companion. Jilly introduced Tony to Frank and for the rest of his life, Tony was a part of Franks inner circle. After Jilly's tragic death, Tony O went on the road with Frank and was his constant companion.
Tony's portrait of Frank and stories from thousands of hours with him clarify everything else I've read about Frank. He writing well and tells wonderful tales that had me laughing and choked up in equal measure. If you are a fan of Frank Sinatra's this is a must read. If you are curious, this is a pretty good biography. If you haven't read anything else about Sinatra, Tony spends much time explaining and clarifying points that others got wrong. This book will make you want to explore.
Frank Sinatra was complex and few had the inside view that Jilly and Tony had. Tony has really done a nice job of telling their stories as well as those of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford. Wonderful detail in a fairly concise volume. This is a really good read.
Tony's portrait of Frank and stories from thousands of hours with him clarify everything else I've read about Frank. He writing well and tells wonderful tales that had me laughing and choked up in equal measure. If you are a fan of Frank Sinatra's this is a must read. If you are curious, this is a pretty good biography. If you haven't read anything else about Sinatra, Tony spends much time explaining and clarifying points that others got wrong. This book will make you want to explore.
Frank Sinatra was complex and few had the inside view that Jilly and Tony had. Tony has really done a nice job of telling their stories as well as those of Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford. Wonderful detail in a fairly concise volume. This is a really good read.
August 23, 2021
Between three and four stars. Although not a Frank Sinatra fan, I found the book enjoyable. Well written with only a few mistakes: first, Gregory Hines did not wear a black tuxedo with a red pocket handkerchief at the 60th anniversary tribute to Sammy Davis. The author tells us at the end of the book how well researched it was. I beg to differ. If he had looked at Hine’s performance, which is readily available on YouTube, he would’ve seen he wore a dark pair of pants with a dark shirt. Second, there is what I presume was a typo referring to Kurt rather than Kirk Douglas. As for the rest of the memoir, I have to presume it was accurate. It presented what I thought was a more well-rounded picture of Frank Sinatra than prior biographies. I could not help but wonder, however, to what degree the author’s friendship with Sinatra may have influenced his portrait of Ol’ Blue Eyes.
January 15, 2023
Since I was born in the mid-40s, I wasn’t around when Sinatra started his fame with the Tommy Dorsey & Harry James’ bands. But in high school & college in the 60s, I wasn’t so much a fan of rock ‘n’ roll as I was “The Great American Songbook” led by Frank Sinatra. I became aware of his voice and loved his songs since I can remember. And I’ve never outgrown that “Songbook” music (my home channel 70 on SiriusFM is “SeriouslySinatra).
This book is written with love & compassion by a man who had been an entertainer in his own right. Tony (the author) & Frank were friends for a decade; those two & Jilly (owner of a well-known Manhattan club) were a trio who’d hung out together for many years until Jilly’s passing. Because of Tony’s closeness in so many ways, I believe all that was told in his book—that Frank Sinatra was an admirable man, deserving of all his many accolades
This book is written with love & compassion by a man who had been an entertainer in his own right. Tony (the author) & Frank were friends for a decade; those two & Jilly (owner of a well-known Manhattan club) were a trio who’d hung out together for many years until Jilly’s passing. Because of Tony’s closeness in so many ways, I believe all that was told in his book—that Frank Sinatra was an admirable man, deserving of all his many accolades
February 6, 2024
Wonderful biography of Sinatra by his manager Tony Oppedisano. Many books have been written about Sinatra and contain falsehoods about him. However, this one is written by the person that spent the most time with Sinatra and knew him best, so it is true to Sinatra and the stories told are accurate. Sinatra was a mix of both confidence and insecurity. Confident in his ability as a professional singer, but insecure as a person. He was afraid to be alone and was afraid in his last marriage to alienate his wife or risk another separation.
Sinatra was one of the greatest performers and singers in my lifetime and this biography is a tribute to him and a realistic portrayal of one of the 20th century’s legendary entertainers.
Sinatra was one of the greatest performers and singers in my lifetime and this biography is a tribute to him and a realistic portrayal of one of the 20th century’s legendary entertainers.
June 22, 2021
A poignant, loving, and no-holds-barred tribute to the legendary performer, Frank Sinatra. Of course, most people know who he is, but probably don’t know much about his birth, upbringing, and life’s dream. A generous, yet humble man (in many ways), Sinatra always remembered where he came from, loved fiercely and loyally, and had the backs of family, friends, and fans.
Even if you think you know all about him, I’m sure there will be a tidbit or two that will surprise when reading Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours. A fond, intimate remembrance of a great celebrity by a trusted and true-to-the-end friend.
Includes Source Notes, Acknowledgements, & Index.
Even if you think you know all about him, I’m sure there will be a tidbit or two that will surprise when reading Sinatra and Me: In the Wee Small Hours. A fond, intimate remembrance of a great celebrity by a trusted and true-to-the-end friend.
Includes Source Notes, Acknowledgements, & Index.
September 7, 2021
A very readable and entertaining look at Sinatra. It's not mindblowing but nor is it silly or fawning. The reader gets an interesting look at the last third of Sinatra's life and his many contradictory moods and gestures. Oppedisano's overall portrait of Sinatra can be distilled into one passage: "Frank was never quite sure why or how he found success, and that made him insecure. He couldn't quite comprehend the magnitude of his own popularity. Nobody gives you a handbook on how to navigate the kind of mega success he achieved" (162).
The author clearly devoted much of his life to Sinatra and comes across as the Smithers to Sinatra's Mr. Burns, minus the romantic attachment.
The author clearly devoted much of his life to Sinatra and comes across as the Smithers to Sinatra's Mr. Burns, minus the romantic attachment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews