WHere I Stand: Double magic - Frank Sinatra and Las Vegas

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In recent weeks, the world has been concerned with the health of Frank Sinatra.

In 1979, upon his return from an announced "retirement," the following editorial ran on the front page of the Las Vegas SUN.

There are many new residents who were not here when Frank Sinatra's appearance at a Strip hotel was a guaranteed sellout, nor do they know of the depth of his contributions to Las Vegas.

For them, and those who do remember, we are reprinting that editorial, written by the SUN's late publisher Hank Greenspun.

We still feel the same about this remarkable entertainer and humanitarian.

Front-page editorials are usually reserved for public matters of great significance or the memorialization of momentous historic events.

Entertainers' contributions normally have exposure in the entertainment sections of a newspaper, as notable sports figures are found in the sports pages.

But when an entertainer, a singer, has impacted the world social order and an entire city in particular, a front-page expression of gratitude would not be overstated.

Frank Sinatra will be honored with a party commemorating his 40th year in show business. The event will take place at Caesars Palace, and it is also of significance that it falls on his birthday.

Why does this man merit front-page editorial space in a Las Vegas newspaper?

It is the magic of the man.

It is quite true that the public's reaction to many entertainers is a will-o-the-wisp emotion -- a love affair that fizzles after the first glow subsides.

Not so with the 40 years of attention and admiration that has been showered on Frank Sinatra by adoring fans.

The man with the golden voice and magnetic personality has survived all the mood changes of a fickle public. No matter what kind of music became the fad, his magic always worked with audiences all over the world. He is the master singer and, when he sings, the world beats a path to his door.

In 1971, when Sinatra decided to pack it all in and give up his entertainment career, he had visions of a semi-retirement wherein he could relax and enjoy life without the continual demands of show business.

It wasn't long before he realized this was not the life for him. The lure of the spotlights -- the rapport with audiences who loved him -- the sharing of his talent for worthy causes -- all conspired to bring him back to the place where he belonged.

And tonight, when he is honored on his 40th year in show business, we can all be thankful that his "retirement" was only a hiatus.

Few entertainers in show business can boast the individual honors and adulation accorded Frank Sinatra. His many years in the limelight have not dimmed the brilliance of his individual star.

That, after 40 years, he is still considered the No. 1 entertainer in the world is a tribute to his talent and charisma.

In Las Vegas, he is a legend. He almost single-handedly helped put our city on the international map and every Sinatra appearance in Las Vegas heralds a huge influx of media attention and visitors. He is synonymous with Las Vegas and, since it was decision as to where tonight's event should take place, he does us honor to have chosen Las Vegas and Caesars Palace.

Los Angeles wanted to host the affair as did New York City. Had Sinatra decided on either locale, there could have been no arguments from any quarters. Certainly, these are glamorous, populous sites with immediate access to international press. Sinatra's choice of Las Vegas was made because he has repeatedly triumphed here as a performer. His return to show business took place at Caesars Palace. He likes Las Vegas, and the city and all its inhabitants return that affection a thousandfold.

An honorary doctorate at UNLV is evidence of the esteem in which he is held by our community and state.

His name is magic on a marquee, and his appearance at any charitable event is assurance of success.

Tonight, we will be honoring two Sinatras -- the truly great entertainer and an equally great humanitarian.

Sinatra's dedication to humanity does not end in our country. Whether it's Nevada, Egypt, Israel or the Far East -- wherever you go, you'll most likely see a project that is there because of Sinatra's generosity and deep love of people, especially children.

He has given concerts to build homes for orphans in Japan and Hong Kong and has endowed children's homes in several countries. In almost every country you visit, he has made contributions to orphans, the poor, the less fortunate of our society, and has given financial support to educational institutions round the world.

Frank Sinatra was born with a voice that has thrilled the world, but behind that voice is a man who recognizes that he has been doubly blessed and shares his good fortune with those who are in trouble and in need.

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

He has compassion for his fellows because he has been up on top and back down again, only to persevere until he again reached the top. Few entertainers have taken more bows or achieved greater success; and none has equalled the joy and delight he has brought into the lives of all who have heard him.

Nevada owes much to Frank Sinatra, and the SUN joins the people of Las Vegas in letting him know what is in our hearts.

May he continue doing all these glorious things his way, because his way is our way.