Frank, Dean and Sammy • Pack Mentality

Left to right: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra.

While this didn't start out to be a Rat Pack post, it just ended up that way. Once you have Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin on the list, how can you not bring Sammy Davis, Jr. to the party as well? I couldn't figure out a way, but realized I would just be foolish to do it. So I offer you the man, the main members of the famed Rat Pack, singing some iconic songs, great representatives of the Great American Songbook.

Left to right: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Sammy Davis, Jr.

I thought there is no way better to start out this post than with a legend singing a great song written by the amazing Cole Porter. In 1943, the movie 'Reveille With Beverly' featured a performance by a young man named Frank Sinatra, who was introduced in the film by a young Ann Miller. The song was written a decade earlier for the musical 'The Gay Divorcee', and sung by Fred Astaire. Here is a clip from the film, with Frank Sinatra singing the classic "Night and Day".

The next great song is from the musical 'The Pajama Game', written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. "Hey There" was introduced by John Raitt in the original Broadway production, but the song is best known from the recording by Rosemary Clooney, which went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1954. About the same time, the song was recorded by Sammy Davis, Jr., and his version of the song went to #16 on the Billboard chart. The song showed the strength of Sammy's voice, and it is easy to see why it was a hit for both artists. This is Sammy Davis Jr. singing "Hey There" on 'The Colgate Summer Comedy Hour'.

Our next song was first known as "Nel blu dipinto di blu", the English translation "In the Sky, Painted Blue". But it is better known by another name, "Volare". Translated to English as "To Fly", the song was written by Franco Migliacci and Domenico Modugno, and released in 1958 by Modugno. His version went to #1 on the charts all over the world, and soo the song was being covered by many. That would included the third member of the Rat Pack, Dean Martin. I remember hearing Martin's cover playing in my house growing up, my mother was a big fan of Dean's music. This is Dean Martin singing "Volare".

Our final song was written by lyricist Billy Rose was and composer Dave Dreyer, although it also listed Al Jolson in the credits. Rose was the third husband of the great Fanny Brice, and it was said the 'shadow' in the song was Nicky Arnstein, Brice's second husband. The song is "Me and My Shadow", was a huge hit for Jolson in 1927, and quickly became a classic. I was thrilled to find this clip of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. performing the song together live. This is Frank and Sammy with the classic "Me and My Shadow".

Have a great weekend!

Eli Lieb • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

There is something about a handsome man singing a beautiful classic to me that just makes me a happy man. And that is exactly how I would describe Eli Lieb's recording of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". The song was was written by Ralph Blane and lyricist Hugh Martin, and introduced to the world by the always brilliant Judy Garland in the 1944 film 'Meet Me in St. Louis'. Later, the song was recorded by Frank Sinatra with new lyrics, and those words are the ones more commonly sung today. But as Eli tends to do, he uses the original as a launching pad to allow the song and his voice to go places no one has gone before. And I swear, when I listen, it sounds like he is singing to me! This is Eli Lieb singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".

Almost 70 years later, the song still sounds fresh. And, Eli's rendition certainly helps that along. You can purchase Eli Lieb's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" from iTunes or Amazon. While you are there, you might check out his other music, from the cover songs to the original music. Honestly, I am partial to his original stuff. For more about Eli, visit his official website, where there is an official store, so yous can buy music and t-shirts. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, or 'like' him on Facebook.

Crooners From the Heart

Clockwise: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin.

To change things up a bit, I decided to visit the the Great American Songbook as I do on a Saturday night, but from a slightly different perspective. Since I usual feature some of the amazingly talented ladies from the past century or so, I decided to listen to some men this week. While there are countless men who have sung great music, I decided to go with some of the voices I heard playing on the family record player when I was young. And, as a child of parents from the Philadelphia area, there was no way I could not include Francis Albert Sinatra, for my mother did love his music. Frank Sinatra started his career as part of the group Hoboken Four. The group was on Major Bowes Amateur Hour, the nationally broadcast radio talent show. Soon he left that group, and returned home to New Jersey. Eventually, he made his way as a big band singer, fronting for both Harry James and Tommy Dorsey. He soon moved on to a solo career, starting out the 1940s at the top, a favorite of the bobbysoxers across the nation. He became a movie star, and maintained his recording career for decades to come. In 1964, he released "The Way You Look Tonight", a song written by Dorothy Fields and Jerome Kern. Originally sung by Ginger Rogers to Fred Astaire in the 1936 RKO Radio Pictures musical, 'Swing Time', the song was soon recorded by Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday, quickly becoming a standard. This is Frank Sinatra's recording of "The Way You Look Tonight".

While he was another member of the the famed 'Rat Pack', Sammy Davis Jr. had a long and full career in show business. He started in vaudeville while still a toddler, perfecting his skills as a song and dance man. He served his country during World War II, and returned to vaudeville afterwards. His talent made him a shining star, and soon he would be a recording star. In the 1950s, he made the jump to movie actor, and then to Broadway star. By the end of the decade, he made close friends with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, soon to be dubbed the Rat Pack. They made movies, and played shows together in Las Vegas, never disappointing the audience. In 1962, a song was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, and was introduced by Newley in the musical 'Stop The World - I Want To Get Off'. "What Kind of Fool Am I?" was an iconic song, and was quickly recorded by Newley and Tony Bennett. It was also recorded by Sammy, who had a hit with the song, going to #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #6 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. The song won the 1963 Grammy for Song of the Year, on the strength of Davis' recording. It is easy to understand why it was so successful when you listen to it. This is Sammy Davis Jr. singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?".

I remember my mother having Dean Martin albums, when the man was known as 'The King of Cool', his dashing good looks and easy manner projecting a self-confidence that was unmistakeable. Often seen surrounded by beautiful young ladies, with a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other, Martin was just the man you wanted to watch. Whether he was teaming up with Jerry Lewis making comedy, or recording music, Martin was never far from the spotlight. In 1956 he released the single "Sway", a mambo written by Mexican composer Luis Demetrio, and English lyrics by Norman Gimbel. Dean's version went to #17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and to #6 on the UK Singles chart. The song managed to be both sexy and romantic, and a song for the ages. I do enjoy hearing Dean Martin sing "Sway".

When you think back on the career of Nat King Cole, he was rather impressive. Cole was performing in the jazz clubs of Chicago in the 1930s, and soon his trio was being heard on radio, increasing his popularity. It wasn't too long before his music was being heard on television, and he was having mainstream success with songs like "Straighten Up and Sly Right". By the mid-40s, he was recording Pop music, and was a very popular performer. So popular, in fact, he had his own show, 'The Nat King Cole Show', on NBC. He was the first African American to host a national broadcast. The show lasted just over a year, unable to find a national sponsor. While the ratings were pretty good, it seemed as though advertisers stayed away. About the same time, the musical tastes changed, as Rock 'N Roll was taking over the charts, leaving crooners like Cole, Martin, and Sinatra to struggle for airplay. It didn't stop Cole, for he had hits like "Ramblin' Rose" and "Let There Be Love". In fact, I love his version of the latter song, composed by Lionel Rand with lyrics by Ian Grant. The song, written in 1940, was given new life by his Jazzy interpretation, that managed to be both flirty and smart. I certainly hope you love Nat King Cole singing "Let There Be Love" as much as I do!

Have a great weekend!

Father's Day with The Rat Pack

Left to right: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr, and Frank Sinatra.

As this is Father's Day Weekend, I tried to think of a way to give a tip of the hat to all the men out there who helped raise their kids. While I was pondering that, the Rat Pack came to mind, and I decided to go with it. For those who may not know, officially, The Rat Pack was made up by Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. They often traveled and performed as a group, causing great joy whenever they got together. The group formed in the mid-1950s, but the name didn't really catch on at first, until after the passing of Bogart in 1957. In truth, it was in the 1960s when the group really become popular, especially in Las Vegas when the trio of Sinatra, Davis, and Martin would pack in the crowds for their performances. They became known for their loose style. I will begin with the 'Chairman of the Board'. I love listening to Frank Sinatra sing his many hits, and "Fly Me To The Moon", written in 1954 by Bart Howard, was definitely one of them. While it was sung by many, it is Sinatra's version that is mostly remembered.

I remember growing up and my parents watching 'The Dean Martin Show', and seeing him on this show, and never seeming to be without a drink and a cigarette in his hand. I instantly get a warm feeling when I hear his voice, especially when he is singing. In 1965, Dean had a bit hit with a song written by Russ Morgan, Larry Stock, and James Cavanaugh. Sometimes, it feels as though "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You" was written for Martin, but it wasn't. His version, some 20 years after the song was written, went to #24 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #1 on the adult contemporary chart.

I remember seeing Sammy Davis, Jr. appearing on many variety shows, from Dean's show, to 'The Mike Douglas Show'. My mother loved watching those progams, and I can remember seeing one of the few black men I remember seeing regularly performing. Sammy's easy style, never seeming to be trying too hard, but never short-changing the people in the audience, was hard not to love. I hope you enjoy as Sammy sings "That Old Black Magic", the classic song written by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer.

And, finally,I thought I would bring them all together for you, and you alone. In the next clip, Sammy, Frank, and Dean singing "Birth of the Blues". The song had music by Ray Henderson, the lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown. It was nominated fro an Academy Award for the 1941 debut in 'Birth of the Blues', a film starring Bing Crosby 15 years after the song was first published. The Rat Pack made it famous all over again when they started to perform it in the 1960s. In the following clip, the boys were joined on stage by a very young Johnny Carson.

To have some of the best of the music of these legendary friends, you can purchase 'The Very Best of The Rat Pack' from iTunes and Amazon. Individually, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis, Jr., were very gifted performers, But collectively, they inspired one another to be even better. I hope they have reunited up in heaven, and are singing to all the fathers there this weekend!

Sunday Morning on Broadway

Posters for 'Godspell' and for 'Guys And Dolls'.

This Sunday, we look to Broadway for what you might enjoy hearing at your house of worship. And I will start with some lovely music from Stephen Schwartz.I will start with "Beautiful City/Bless The Lord" from 'Godspell'. The show debuted off-Broadway in 1971, and was met with great support. The show began as a masters thesis project for John-Michael Tebelak, grew into something much larger, and by 1976 have moved to Broadway, and just about everywhere on earth. This is the cast of the 2011 revival appearing on 'The Rosie Show' starring Rosie O'Donnell.

Our next show has music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a charming book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It debuted on Broadway in 1950, and a movie adaptation was released in 1955. It has be played all around the world in the 62 years since it hit the stage. The show is 'Guys and Dolls', and the song is "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat". This clip is from the movie version, and in the beginning you can catch a young Frank Sinatra.

Have a great Sunday!

Frank Sinatra & Bring Crosby • Christmas

Found this clip and found it irresistible to post, even if there are some small issues with the sound. Someone very smart had Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby get together to sing a medley of Christmas songs, including "Santa Clause Is Coming To Town", "The Christmas Song" and "White Christmas". Enjoy, for I sure as hell did!

Frank Sinatra • The First #1s

Frank Sinatra holds a unique circumstance that he shares with the Tommy Dorsey Band can claim that no one else ever can. Billboard magazine might have started publishing in 1984, but it wasn't until July 20, 1940, that the magazine started publishing the 'Musical Popularity Chart', monitoring radio play and sales numbers to rank the top music of the day. Eighteen years later, Billboard changed the name to 'The Hot 100', a chart that is still the focus of most of the music industry. And on that very first chart, it was a song released by Tommy Dorsey & his Orchestra that topped the charts.

Tommy Dorsey & his Orchestra, featuring Frank Sinatra.

"I'll Never Smile Again" was written by Ruth Lowe, who was dealing the with death of her young husband. The vocals on the track was a young Frank Sinatra, just finding his way in the music business. He was joined on the vocals by The Pied Pipers, singing the role of the chorus. It topped the charts for the first twelve weeks it was published.

They struck gold again in 1942, when "There Are Such Things" topped the Billboard chart. It was again a release by Tommy Dorsey & his Orchestra, with featured vocalist Frank Sinatra. It was a popular song by Stanley Adams, Abel Baer, and George W. Meyer, written in 1942.

By the end of 1942, Sinatra would part ways with Tommy Dorsey. Sinatra, who had a big following among the ladies, and in particular the young girls who found the young man very handsome. It didn't, however, end their time on the charts, for they had recorded many songs together. That included our next #1 song on the Billboard chart, the 1943 hit, "The Blue of the Evening Sky".

Before Sinatra joined Jimmy Dorsey & his Orchestra, he performed with Harry James & his Orchestra. In fact, he was under contract to him when Jimmy Dorsey approached Sinatra, but James released him to join Dorsey, a much bigger opportunity. In fact, they had recorded a song written in 1939 by Arthur Altman, with lyrics by Jack Lawrence. It was a mild hit, but that was about the time he was leaving. Once he was free of his contract with Dorsey, Sinatra's label re-released the song, only this time it was not by Harry James & his Orchestra. Instead, it was billed as Frank Sinatra, with Harry James. So here is the 1939/1944 release, "All Or Nothing At All".

That leaves his 1945 single, "Oh, What It Seems To Be", to be his first certified solo #1 song. The song was arranged by bandleader Nelson Riddle, the man who made magic with so very many great singers and musicians over his career, including the great recordings made by Linda Ronstadt in the 1980s. But 40 years before, he was wroking his magic with Frank Sinatra, among others.

Hope you enjoyed our celebration of Frank Sinatra's first five Billboard #1 songs

For All You Mothers • Songs of Love

Clockwise: Frank Sinatra; Dean Martin; Tom Jones; Sammy Davis Jr.

When I was thinking about what I was going to post for Mother's Day Weekend, I toyed with many different ideas, but the thought occurred to me that I wouldn't focus on mothers, but on the singers my mother and her friends used to listen to, watch, or talk about when I was a just a boy. So I reached back to when the family lived in Folcroft, Pennsylvania, in the Delmar Village. I thought about Mom talking with Jean, my Aunt Peg, Connie, Millie, and Nina about their favorite singers, it would come down to Frank, Dino, Sammy, and Tom. Whether they were watching them on TV, in movies, or going to a show at a club in Philadelphia, they loved these men. Of course, no one really needs to know more about the Chairman of the Board, do they? Frank Sinatra had a golden voice, and a talent to be able to sing just about anything he wanted. Watch here as he sings "(Love Is) The Tender Trap," composed by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn.



Ah, there was Dino. He had his own show at one time, and I remember watching it with the family, and hearing Dean Martin sing some beautiful songs. I also remember him with a cigarette in one hand, and a drink in the other. Yes, that is something that no one could get away with now on any variety show. And, oh, the ladies thought he was a handsome devil. Here is Dean singing "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime," written in 1947 by Sam Coslow, Irving Taylor and Ken Lane.



If Frank and Dino were around, you know that Sammy Davis Jr couldn't be far behind. Really, in a lot of ways, this was revolutionary for the time, costarring in Ocean's 11 in 1960, and being great friends with Martin and Sinatra, in a time when segregation was still the law of the land. But it was so right in so many ways, including the fact that the man could sing. Watch this 1968 video of Sammy Davis Jr. singing "This Guy's In Love With You," written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and originally recorded by Herb Alpert.



Now, if there was a "it" guy in the 1960s, it was Tom Jones. He wore his shirts barely buttoned, and pants oh-so-tight. At his shows, ladies were known to be throwing their underwear on the stage to him. Whether they brought extras or took them off while singing, I can't tell you. The Welshman knew how to work it, and had no fear of making sure he stayed in front of the ladies, singing. In 1969 he had a huge with with "Love Me Tonight," written by Barry Mason, Daniele Pace, Marissa Panzeri, and Lorenzo Pilat.

The Birth of the Pack

The Rat Pack sings Birth Of The Blues. Who are the Rat Pack? They were a group featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. They sometimes appeared together on stage and in films in the early-1960s, including the movie Ocean's 11. In the clip below, the reported ringleaders of the Rat Pack, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra, get a little help from Johnny Carson as they sing the song written by Ray Henderson, the lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown in 1926, and recorded by Cab Calloway in the mid 1940s. However, it could be argued the most famous version of the song was by Frank Sinatra, which he often sang with his fellow Rat Packers.

Christmas Spirit

A very long time ago, my mother gave the speech that Santa Claus lived in all our hearts, and it is the joy, love, and giving that keeps his spirit alive. I might have scoffed a bit at the time, but now have to think it is true. I think it is fairly evident that there is plenty of Christmas Spirit in Rosemary Clooney when she sings Let It Snow.



And there is such joy and beauty when The Carpenters sing a Christmas Medley, it is hard to think otherwise. After all, the gorgeous sound made by Karen Carpenter whenever she sang had to have some affect on your spirit and mood.



If having Bing Crosby sing White Christmas wasn't special enough, when he is joined by Frank Sinatra to sing it could make it something that certainly shifts your spirits into an accelerated Christmas spirit, right?



And if Maggie, Terre and Suzzy Roche can't bring you to a new level in your Christmas spirit, I would have to think you need a check up from your doctor immediately. The sisters are a big part of my holiday soundtrack, so check out their Christmas Medley.



Merry Christmas Eve!

Dark Monday • Ethel Merman

For many people, the voice of Ethel Merman was the definitive Broadway belter. Certainly, once you've heard her, you never forgot her, and realized there was no one else like her. And once she left us in 1984, we quickly came to the realization there would be no more like her. She was unique, a truly special individual talent. She was a box office tour de force, starring in show after show that were no only successes, they became some of the standout shows of the 20th century. With starring roles in such vehicles as Girl Crazy, Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Call Me Madame, There's No Business Like Show Business, Gypsy and Hello Dolly, how could she be looked upon as anything short of legendary.



In 1979, Merman appeared in a television special focusing on Broadway. Merman was 71 at the time, yet still performs with such gusto and bravado, you can't help but want to leap to your feet as she is finishing. She sings Anything Goes, after being introduced by Sylvia Fine Kaye, composer and wife of star Danny Kaye.



The song is from the 1936 film Anything Goes, which featured music and lyrics by the amazing Cole Porter. Merman starred in the Broadway premier in 1934, and later in the 1936 Hollywood film. This is a song from the show, using a clip from the film. This is You're The Top with a very young Frank Sinatra.



Few could ever try to compete with her performance as Mama Rose in Gypsy. With music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a book by Arthur Laurents, and directed by Jerome Robbins, the highly anticipated musical based on the memoirs of stripper/burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee. Merman's performance was memorable, and lauded by the critics. Here she is on a television special singing Everything's Coming Up Roses. The special was in 1982, and was one of the past times she sang in public.



In a side note, I have to point out I have seen countless drag queens performing as 'The Merm,' which only added to my love for her. And I hope that continues!

Boys With A Torch

Men feeling the flame of the torch: (clockwise from top left) Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humberdinck, and Dean Martin.

Well, I just thought it was wrong to think that only a woman can hold a torch for a lover, because there is a long history of men singing about the very same thing. So I thought I would continue on with the series of Torch Singers, only featuring the men. Back in their day, they could set the hearts of woman all aflutter simply by walking on stage. That was certainly true for Frank Sinatra, the singer from Hoboken, New Jersey. Whether he was performing by himself, or in Las Vegas with his Rat Pack buddies, Sinatra knew how to sing a song. Check him out singing I've Got You Under My Skin, a classic by Cole Porter, talking about that early part of love.



If there were ever a poster boy for a gin-soaked evening in a club, it would be the very handsome Dean Martin. The boy from Steubenville, Ohio, certainly could turn a head, and never met a drink he didn't like. He'd come out on stage, drink in hand, cigarette in the other hand, and rip the hearts of many to shreds with songs like Besame Mucho, written in 1940 by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velázquez.



The next song was recorded by many, but leave it to Sammy Davis Jr. to put his own particular spin on it. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the 1964 musical, The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd. Like his Rat Pack brothers, Sammy could be seen with his cigarette in hand as he performed.



In some way, the remaining two men are the next generation of Rat Packers, so to speak. Engelbert Humperdinck Please Release Me, an standard written in 1946 by Eddie Miller, Robert Yount, and James Pebworth. Engelbert, born with the relatively boring name of Arnold George Dorsey, released the song in 1967, reaching the top of the charts in the UK and to #4 on the US Billboard chart.



There are few ways to truly describe out final man tonight without using the word sex. For many years, Tom Jones has embodied a sexually-charged charisma that had women throwing their undergarments to him while he was performing, screaming to get his attention. While the sexiness of the act often grabbed the headlines, there was plenty of talent to back all that up. Watch as he performs his version of the classic 1937 Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart song from the 1937 musical Babes in Arms, My Funny Valentine.

AI9 Old Blue Eyes Has Left The Building

Originally written for Rickey.Org

Frank Sinatra takes center stage, his songbook awaiting the Top 5 to prove their mettle. Crystal and the boys, Lee, Casey, Big Mike and Aaron, will be under the watchful eye of Harry Connick, Jr, world renown crooner, star of stage, screen, and album. He is going to lend a helping hand as the Idols take their turn at interpreting entries in the Great American Songbook. Connick is also going to arrange and support all five as best he can, including leading the band.

Talking with Crusty, Harry is all excited about his time with the kids, who are all donning formalish attire, looking quite dapper. After a a commercial break and Crusty plugs the tour, he introduces Sinatra's daughters, Tina and Nancy. They present Simon, a real Sinatra fan, with one of Frank's monogrammed hankies, and he is genuinely happy. Odd moment.

First on deck is Aaron Kelly, and he is singing Fly Me to the Moon. He had an interesting arrangement, but slid all over the place, sometimes sliding a little below or or above the notes. A lot of the notes. Randy and Ellen loved it, while Simon and Kara were a bit more hesitant with their praise. Simon whips out the corny tag, and the 'if Frank was a lion, you were a mouse.'

With his hair tied back, Casey James takes on Blue Skies. Harry really him, and likes his bluesy take on the song. Wasn't the greatest performance, the notes were not great. The judges were uncharacteristically hard on him, including Kara calling him a goat. Harry steps up and says he killed it 2 hours ago, but it seems unlikely that will help him now.

Crusty introduces Sir Anthony Hopkins for no apparent reason, and then introduces Crystal Bowersox, who will sing Summer Wind. Harry seems to really like her, and she starts the performance on the piano bench with him. The first few notes were a little off, but she quickly gets on track. Her phrasing was really nice, and it built beautifully. Randy thought it was sleepy, Ellen thought she swallowed the first part of the song, and Kara appreciates her phrasing - Ugh, she agreed with me - but seemingly little else. Simon thought the first half wasn't good, but it got better. So, we figured out the judges love a screamer - looks good for Lee, I guess.

Looking to continue his renewed career, Big Mike Lynche is up next. He sings one of Harry's favorites, The Way You Look Tonight. Harry digs him, and when they start, I kinda yawn. There is little original here. I am really bored. The judges, however, love him. I am at a loss. Really? That sounded like an out-take from 'My Best Friend's Wedding', not a great performance on the AI stage.

To end the night, we get some Lee DeWyze, singing That’s Life. There are also uncomfortable moments with Harry talking about Lee's looks. There are several really bad notes in there, but I am sure they will go unnoticed. There were also muddled words, his inability to enunciate. Yet, the judges basically announced he has already won. And I am sad.

This was not a good night for me. I liked Crystal best, allowing for subtleties apparently unheard of by the judges. She wasn't perfect, but still above the rest. However, the boys, well, they struggled. Lee's bad notes, and heavy vibrato passed inspection of the judges, who pointed out the same issues with other singers. But we were told he took the night, possibly the entire competition. I suspect Casey, Big Mike and Aaron will be the bottom three, and Casey will go home.