Tony Danza Recalls Getting Yelled at by Frank Sinatra After ‘Singing to Him’ 30 Years Ago

Tony Danza Recollects Frank Sinatra’s Abrupt Reaction to His Singing 30 Years Ago

In a recent interview with The New York Post, Tony Danza, now 74, reminisced about a memorable moment from three decades ago involving the legendary Frank Sinatra. He recalled the time he sang in front of the iconic “My Way” artist during Sinatra’s televised 80th birthday tribute in 1995. Danza admitted that while he wasn’t known for his singing abilities at the time, Sinatra surprisingly appreciated his performance.

During the event, Danza noticed Sinatra appearing unsteady while perched on high steps after the performance. Describing the incident, Danza shared that he attempted to support Sinatra by placing his hands under him. However, Sinatra reacted abruptly, throwing his elbow back towards Danza and questioning him, “Back off! What’s your problem?”

Initially taken aback by Sinatra’s response, Danza soon found solace in the words of Sinatra’s confidante, Jilly Rizzo. Rizzo reassured Danza that Sinatra’s brusqueness was actually a sign of fondness towards him. This revelation helped Danza understand Sinatra’s unique way of expressing his liking towards someone.

Growing up as a Sinatra enthusiast, Danza explained how his mother introduced him to Sinatra’s music at a young age, sparking his admiration for the legendary singer. Despite initially being discovered for a movie role while boxing at Gleason’s Gym in New York City, Danza found himself unexpectedly embraced by Sinatra’s circle upon arriving in Hollywood. This fortuitous turn of events led to a lasting friendship between Danza and Sinatra.

Reflecting on his interactions with Sinatra, Danza revealed that the singer exuded a magnetic aura whenever he entered a room, leaving others in awe. Danza admitted to often being rendered speechless in Sinatra’s presence, marvelling at the profound impact Sinatra had on those around him. In a tribute to Sinatra, Danza now hosts a popular cabaret show in New York City titled ‘Sinatra and Stories,’ where he shares captivating anecdotes from his career and memorable encounters with the legendary artist, alongside performing covers of Sinatra’s classic songs.

Danza’s recollection of his encounter with Sinatra serves as a testament to the multifaceted nature of human connections, showcasing how even moments of initial discord can evolve into cherished memories of camaraderie and admiration. Sinatra’s enigmatic persona continues to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring artists like Danza to pay homage to his timeless talent through heartfelt tributes and engaging storytelling.

As Danza continues to honour the legacy of ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ through his performances and recollections, audiences are treated to a glimpse of the enduring impact Sinatra had on those fortunate enough to cross paths with him. The bond between Danza and Sinatra, forged through an unexpected interaction many years ago, serves as a testament to the lasting influence of music and camaraderie in fostering meaningful connections that transcend time.