Frank’s Facets

Although I think that Robert Hilburn did an interesting article on Frank Sinatra’s musical career (“Requiem for a Saloon Singer,” May 16), I found it disturbing that Hilburn suggested that it was some kind of flaw in Sinatra’s music that he was unable to connect with the rock generation. It was at this moment I realized how much I miss the writing of the late Leonard Feather. He would have been able to properly assess the appeal and longevity of the Chairman of the Board.

ROBERT FALCE

Los Angeles

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No, Mr. Hilburn, the reason Frank Sinatra was “estranged from rock music” (which in itself is an oxymoron) is because he had impeccable taste. The two are totally incompatible.

RAYMOND WEINSHENKER

Los Angeles

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I first met Frank Sinatra in 1953 at Columbia Pictures, where I was the unit publicist on “From Here to Eternity.”

During the filming, I received a request from a wire service for a statement from Frank concerning a forthcoming government release that he owed a large amount in back taxes.

Frank told me that this was not news and his accountants were working on it. I asked him if I could add to his quote “if it takes from here to eternity, I’ll pay it.”

Frank responded with a right to my shoulder and an invitation for my wife and me to join him for dinner.

We became friends, and I will miss him.

WALTER SHENSON

Beverly Hills

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Shenson is the producer of “A Hard Day’s Night.”

Thanks, Frank, for your wonderful talent. I recall your warmly sincere singing of my songs all these 50-odd years since our first association with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, when I was writing tunes with Tom Adair and Earl Brent. Your giving credit to the writers in your performances and worldwide concerts was always appreciated . . . not a usual gesture of every artist.

Can I ever forget your singing “Angel Eyes” up through your last concert? Never! You will be missed, Frank. God bless!

MATT DENNIS

Riverside

Dennis is the composer of such standards as “Angel Eyes” and “Everything Happens to Me.”