Our grand marshal for the 2004 Nevada Day Parade is Frank Sinatra, Jr.
Frank Sinatra, Jr. was born in New Jersey, raised in California and educated in the showrooms of Las Vegas and on bandstands all over the world.
While studying music at the University of Southern California, Frank Jr. originally planned a career as a pianist and conductor. Show promoters, however, had different ideas and he eventually made his professional show business debut as a singer with the Elliot Brothers band, an outfit best known for its take-offs on name bands of the 1940s.
On the evening of September 8, 1963, the Royal Box of Americana Hotel in Manhattan re-opened for the fall season. Other hotels featured such established performers as Sheila and Gordon MacRae (Waldorf), Peter Duschin (St. Regis), and Xavier Cuget and Abbe Lane (Plaza). The Royal Box presented a newcomer: Frank Sinatra, Jr. backed by the Tommy Dorsey Band. At 21, Frank Jr. made his debut into the big time.
Frank Jr. has performed in major clubs and showrooms throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, and England. He has appeared on stage with such showbiz greats as George Burns, Phil Harris, and Flip Wilson as well as guest starring on popular television shows including “Laugh-in” and “The Golddiggers.” A favorite of variety and talk show audiences, Frank Jr. frequently appeared on programs hosted by legends such as Red Skelton, Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas, and Johnny Carson.
Wherever and whenever he performs, Frank Sinatra, Jr. always keeps one thing in mind: “The people come to hear the music, so I always make sure the music is the real star of the show. I want the spotlight to shine on the individual musicians as well as the singer.”
Frank Sinatra, Jr. … a star that shines brighter year after year