Anita Harris discusses new Frank Sinatra tribute show
Veteran entertainer Anita Harris talks about her upcoming Frank Sinatra tribute show and recalls meeting Sinatra at age 16.
The Full Story
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Anita Harris on New Frank Sinatra Tribute Show and Her First Meeting with the Star
Veteran entertainer Anita Harris, who has spent more than six decades in show business, is preparing to hit the road again with a new tribute show dedicated to Frank Sinatra. The show, titled "Frank, Old Blue Eyes Is Back," will see Harris perform alongside David Elacy, who has been portraying Sinatra for 20 years. The production is a revival of an earlier show they worked on 11 years ago, and it will feature classic Sinatra songs as well as numbers like "All That Jazz."
Harris, now in her 70s, first met Sinatra when she was just 16 years old. At the time, she was working as a dancer at the El Rancho Vegas, the first casino theatre on the Las Vegas strip. She recalled that the star of the show she was in was comedian Joe E. Lewis, whose life story was later played by Sinatra himself. On a rare night off, Harris and her fellow dancers were taken to see Sinatra perform. They were seated at the front table, and she remembers the moment vividly: the curtains opened, the orchestra started, and Sinatra's blue eyes seemed to lock onto her as he sang "Fly Me to the Moon."
After the show, Harris was taken backstage to meet Sinatra. He asked if she planned to enter the business, and when she said she wanted to be a singer, he told her, "Sing, girls, sing," and wished her luck. She described the encounter as a precious moment that has stayed with her.
Harris also reflected on Sinatra's artistry, noting that he was not just a singer but a storyteller. She praised his ability to portray lyrics beautifully, and mentioned that she learned he swam underwater to help his breathing, which contributed to his unique phrasing and style.
The upcoming tour will begin with weekend concerts at venues including the Westcliff Theatre in Clacton, the Radcliffe Centre in Radlett, the Old Savoy in Northampton, and the Institute in Braintree. Harris expressed her excitement about returning to the stage and sharing her love of singing with audiences.
In addition to the tribute show, Harris has also written an autobiography, though details of that were not discussed in the interview.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 |
|---|---|
| Anita Harris met Frank Sinatra when she was 16 years old while working as a dancer at the El Rancho Vegas in Las Vegas. | |
| The new tribute show is called 'Frank, Old Blue Eyes Is Back' and features David Elacy as Sinatra. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The interview on 5 News with Dan Walker took a warm, personal tone, focusing heavily on Anita Harris's nostalgic recollection of meeting Frank Sinatra at age 16. The host, Dan Walker, engaged with her story and allowed her to share the emotional details of that encounter. The coverage also highlighted her enthusiasm for the new tribute show and her long career, but the main angle was the personal connection to Sinatra rather than a detailed preview of the show's content.
- “And I know that these blue eyes were coming straight for me, you know that.”
- “He said, well, sing, girls, sing. And he just wished me luck.”
- “And again, you know, Dan, these little moments in your life are very precious and they do stay with us, don't they?”
Broadcast Timeline
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