Sinatra and Piaf shared Centenary week

[Steve]

Two of the greatest voices from the last century share Birthday Centenaries this week:

Frank Sinatra was born 100 years ago on Saturday 12th December 2015

Edith Piaf was born 100 years ago on Saturday 19th December 2015

[CarlosV]

Interesting coincidence, Steve. Apart from sharing humble origins and sulphurous well-publicized love affairs, it is hard to imagine more contrasting artists, musically-wise. I'm running through my memory but can only think of one song both recorded: Les Feuilles Mortes/Autumm Leaves (which she recorded in English). I don't think Sinatra recorded La Vie en Rose.

[Wolfe]

La Vie en Rose wasn't recorded by Sinatra for a record. Don't know about any buried radio shows that might have seen an airing of that song by him. It's hard to find much of an intersection btw. the two. Sinatra has more to share with Billie Holiday, who would have also turned 100 earlier this year

[CarlosV]

Sinatra has more to share with Billie Holiday, who would have also turned 100 earlier this year

That's a clear link, Wolfe, Sinatra learned a lot with Billie Holiday on how to deliver a ballad, and Billie recorded 'All The Way', the best declaration of love to Sinatra he ever got.

[Steve]

And for what it's worth, Edith Piaf idolised Billie Holiday!

[epigramophone]

My wife collects 78's of French cabaret singers, so Edith Piaf will certainly be played on her centenary tomorrow :

[Steve]

The new 20CD set "1915-2015" (Integrale) is a great production and a highly recommended listen.

We'll also be spinning some of Edith's discs over the weekend. It's been a "busy" Sinatra week 'til now!

I've always liked that Columbia poster. Thank you, Roger, for showing it here.