Columnist Joe Delaney: Reflecting on signature songs of Sinatra, Anka, Bennett

Joe Delaney

Friday, July 9, 1999 | 9:12 a.m.

Joe Delaney's column appears Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or joe@vegas.com.

Signature songs: Musical artists, particularly vocalists, spend entire careers searching for that one song that could become their signature song. ... The late Frank Sinatra had signature songs over a seven-decade period beginning with "All Or Nothing At All," recorded with Harry James and his Orchestra in the late 1930s.

There were many, including "I'll Never Smile Again," when Sinatra sang with Tommy Dorsey in the 1940s. ... "Nancy, With The Laughing Face," a tribute to Frank's first wife and their daughter Nancy, written by comedian Phil Silvers ("Sgt. Bilko" on TV) was a signature song in the 1950s.

In 1969 Paul Anka rewrote the lyrics for "My Way" (originally a French song) for Sinatra, a biographical statement as well as a signature song for both artists. ... "My Way" was also Elvis Presley's last million-record seller and signature song. ... In the 1980s "New York, New York" was Sinatra's final show-closer.

More must-do songs

Tony Bennett is best known for "I Left My Heart In San Francisco," recorded in 1962, which he still sings as a medley with the follow-up hit, "I Wanna Be Around." ... Bennett did have many hits before 1962 and did quite well after that with "Who Can I Turn To," written by the late Anthony Newley and Leslie Briccusse. ... Their "Who Can I Turn To" and "What Kind Of Fool Am I" were also must-sing songs for Sammy Davis Jr.

Sammy's one mega-hit, "Candy Man," was also written by Newley and Briccusse for a forgettable film entitled "Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory." ... The late Joe Williams was also noted for his renditions of Newley-Briccusse songs, as well as his legendary blues recordings.

It should be noted that Newley was never successful recording songs written by Briccusse and himself. ... His lone million-record seller was a novelty recording, jazz-tinged, "Pop Goes The Weasel."

And still more

Tom Jones, an MGM Grand regular, had his first hit in England with "It's Not Unusual," written by his late manager, Gordon Mills, the man who renamed him as Tom Jones (from Thomas Jones Woodward). ... Another MGM Grand regular, Engelbert Humperdinck, born Arnold George Dorsey, renamed by Gordon Mills, had "Release Me" as his first hit song. ... Both initial releases became signature songs for Jones and Humperdinck, and still are today.

Returning to "New York, New York," the song was originally written for Liza Minnelli by John Kandor and Fred Ebb, as title song for the film, co-starring Robert DeNiro. ... It is also Liza's signature song. ... Kandor and Ebb wrote the lyrics and music for "Chicago" (Mandalay Bay).

There you have a little musical trivia to mull over on a hot mid-July weekend. ... Suffer as little of the heat as possible, stay cool and root for the U.S. women's soccer team vs. China on TV Saturday.

Dec. 31 update

Frankie Avalon, one of the Golden Boys, currently at the Orleans with Fabian and Bobby Rydell, will be the New Year's Eve attraction at the Riviera, with the Tokens and Shangri-Las. ... Tony Bennett will render his collection of signature songs at the Desert Inn on Dec. 31, by invitation only, or through a ticket giveaway contest involving his new CD, "A Tribute To Duke Ellington," due out shortly.

Andrea Bocelli will not perform at Bellagio this New Year's Eve. .., Bocelli will be part of the "Party of the Century" in New York City with an all-star assemblage that will include Tom Jones and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, observing the 100th anniversary of Duke's birth.

Mandalay Bay's entry for Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 is Bette Midler in the hotel's Events Center. ... Query: Will there be a major New Year's Eve attraction in the Thomas & Mack Center as the century ends?

More Dec. 31

Include Barbra Streisand (MGM Grand) and Rod Stewart (Rio) in the above year-end list, and add the incredible room rates in three- and four-day units, and we're looking at grosses that could double those for any previous weekend in LV's history. ... Streisand's MGM Grand performance is supposed to be her last in the U.S. ever. ... Celine Dion plays Montreal on Dec. 31 and a private party at Caesars Palace on Jan. 1 before a hiatus.

Vibist Joe Locatelli, with Stu Aptaker, piano, and Mike Trevino, bass, are now holding forth in the Venetian's Rialto Bar, Wednesdays through Sundays, during July. ... Please support the Sun Summer Camp Fund. ... See you next Friday.