Frank Sinatra at Winter Gardens Blackpool: The Voice that Charmed a Town
The Winter Gardens Blackpool has a history of welcoming an array of globally significant figures onto its stage, but few have resonated with audiences quite like Frank Sinatra. The legendary crooner graced the Blackpool Opera House twice, first on July 16, 1950, and then on July 26, 1953, with each visit featuring two unforgettable concerts.
Sinatra’s 1953 concert is particularly noteworthy, as it was recorded and is still available today as the album “Live at Blackpool Opera House 1953”. The setlist from that night is a veritable who’s who of Sinatra’s classic hits, starting with ‘When You’re Smiling’ and ‘That Old Black Magic’, moving on to ‘Embraceable You’, and closing with ‘Night & Day’. Sinatra’s rich, velvety voice filled the Opera House, delivering a performance that still echoes in the annals of Blackpool’s music history.
But it wasn’t just his voice that captivated Blackpool. Sinatra’s charm and charisma endeared him to the locals. Upon his arrival, he was given a hero’s welcome, the kind usually reserved for heads of state. This adulation even prompted a memorable comment from Sinatra himself. As local chauffeur Frank Lucas, who often had the task of transporting the biggest stars, recalls, Sinatra quipped, “You know, I could be Mayor of this town.”
While the idea of Sinatra as Mayor of Blackpool might have been more of a whimsical notion than a serious proposition, it reflects the profound connection he felt with the town and its residents. This connection was further reinforced during his courtesy visit to the Town Hall, where he had the opportunity to wear the Mayoral chain of office. Perhaps it was this symbolic gesture that prompted his playful musing about becoming Mayor.
Sinatra’s concerts at the Blackpool Opera House were more than just performances; they were events that brought the community together, forging a bond between the iconic singer and the town. His music and charisma left a lasting impression on Blackpool, making him one of the many globally important figures who have contributed to the rich tapestry of Winter Gardens Blackpool’s history.
Sinatra’s concerts at the Blackpool Opera House were more than just performances; they were events that brought the community together, forging a bond between the iconic singer and the town. His music and charisma left a lasting impression on Blackpool, making him one of the many globally important figures who have contributed to the rich tapestry of Winter Gardens Blackpool’s history.
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