Rick Michel's Blog

Frank Sinatra was an intense man. He seemed to feel everything deeply and this came out in everything he did – music, acting, and the relationships with everyone around him. Vocally he could deliver the emotions of the song better than anyone and in the movies he was able to get inside the head of the character he was portraying. This passion was obvious in the real world too, often resulting in reports of his fiery temper or his tumultuous love life. Conversely, he loved to laugh and practical jokes became a way to spill some of those everyday tensions. Read More

I look forward to every performance and my May 14th, 2016 presentation of Sinatra Forever at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center is no different – in fact, with the date falling on the anniversary of a major event, there’s bound to be a special energy in the air that will make this show memorable. Read More

According to the dictionary, the word “creepy” means, “causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease,” and while I’ve never heard of Frank Sinatra being thought of as creepy, I’ve come across instances where his music and that word have been used in the same breath. I know it’s hard to believe, but follow along and I’ll show you! Read More

Living in Las Vegas and being in the entertainment industry, I’ve had the opportunity to meet or work with so many amazing people. For years, I’ve tried to get a photograph with them – it’s my thing, something I enjoy doing – I guess you could say I embraced the “selfie” or, if you’re striving for accuracy, “ussie” before it was even cool. I thought it would be nice to share and reflect on a few of the more significant photos here from time to time. Read More

Gorgeous, historic theaters are a real part of the American entertainment experience, adding exponentially to the enjoyment of taking in a live show. Stately décor, elegant fixtures and thought-provoking design prepare the mind creatively for something special – both raising expectations for the performance and assisting the performer at the same time. That’s why I’m particularly excited for my April 28th show at the Alhambra Theatre in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Read More

It was forty years ago that Dean Martin turned the tables on himself to become the man of the hour on his Celebrity Roast television special and this thought started making me nostalgic for the days when good old-fashioned comedy was king. Quick, smart one-liners reigned supreme and you could feel the genuine surprise and delight in the audience’s laughter as a seasoned professional delivered a juicy joke. The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts were a goldmine for such performances and it’s no wonder so many tuned into the program to forget their troubles and laugh, even if just for an hour or two. Read More

Once upon a time there were singers and there were songwriters. Singers focused on all things related to singing – key, tune, pitch, timbre, volume, connecting emotionally, and performing – while songwriters crafted lyrics and melodies (sometimes only one of these) into something the singer and the audience could identify with. Frank Sinatra was “The Voice,” but it turns out he was more than capable at creating a few tunes of his own. Read More

Some songs are just meant to be classic pop singles and can be spotted a mile away by those with an ear for tunes that will resonate with the public, especially if it’s paired with the right voice. The 1967 cover version of “Somethin’ Stupid” turned out to be one of those songs after Frank Sinatra recognized its potential and brought it to the attention of his daughter Nancy’s producer. Read More

I hope you had a happy St. Patrick’s Day. Even though Frank Sinatra’s ethnic background is Italian, there’s a huge Irish connection that existed and influenced him throughout his legendary life. While I can’t be certain he ever downed green beer or even a green label Jack Daniel’s whiskey, he had a connection to the Emerald Isle from his birth to his death. Read More

It goes without saying that “firsts” are special – that first kiss, first date, first job all become treasured, often revered, memories. The same holds true for Frank Sinatra’s first number one hit, I’ll Never Smile Again. While it’s not likely the first song that pops into your head when you think of Sinatra hits, it’s a tune that means an awful lot to a lot of different people. Read More