February 1 2016 – By Craig Manning for Wirral Globe

516496301LEGENDARY American entertainer Jack Jones pays tribute to his idol Frank Sinatra during a special show in Wirral this weekend.

The grammy award-winning singer and actor – whose plethora of hits include The Impossible Dream, The Race Is On, Lady, Call Me Irresponsible and the theme to ’70s comedy series The Loveboat – is at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton venue on Saturday with his show The Legend Returns, celebrating 100 years since Sinatra was born.

It will be his first first visit to the UK since 2013 and promises to be a rare treat.

The tour coincide with the release of Jack’s new album Seriously Frank.

Featuring 13 tracks, a 22-piece orchestra and piano from Dave Grusin, the album combines some classic numbers with lesser known songs, all arranged and conducted by Patrick Williams.

It will be Jack’s celebration of one the greatest singers of all time – Frank Sinatra, who died, aged 82, in 1998 from a heart attack.

Jack told the Globe: “It’s going to be a chance to me sing songs that I enjoy and am comfortable singing.

“I’ve never done a tribute show to Frank before.

“I will also be telling the audience about some anecdotes from working with him.”

Regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time, the Hollywood-born entertainer performs around the globe to sold-out audiences in venues ranging from Jazz clubs to the London Palladium.

Described as the very definition of a complete and total entertainer.

The New York Times said: “he is arguably the most technically accomplished male pop singer…”.

Rated by Frank Sinatra and his contemporary Tony Bennett as ‘numero uno’, Jack is regarded as something of a benchmark.

He has released 60 albums, two Grammies and another five nominations, an Emmy, and awards too numerous to mention.

The Hollywood-born star attended University High School in West Los Angeles, while also studying drama and singing with private teachers chosen by his father.

A young athlete, he gave up his track and football team sports to devote himself to serious study of the arts.

And it was Frank who inspired him to sing.

When at school Jack’s friend, Nancy Sinatra, brought her dad in one day to sing at assembly … and from then on it was sports’ loss and entertainment’s gain.

The 78-year-old, who lives in Palm Springs, California. said: “The moment I heard Frank’s voice, I knew what I wanted to do.

“I watched him mature and mature as a performer.

“Way back in the beginning I remember him showing me how to throw cherry bombs from the front porch.

“It was an honour to have known him.

“Frank was a legend alright. Legend is a term that is used loosely these days. I have been called a legend, and take it as a compliment.”

He has performed at two Royal Variety Shows and has his own Hollywood Walk of Fame star right next to his father’s, the film star Allan Jones.

Jack’s respect for a well crafted song has led to him recording some of the greatest ballads of all time but his career has spanned it all – pop, jazz, musical theatre, film.

He signed his first deal with Capital Records in 1959 and went on to record with several labels over the years, 20 albums with RCA alone, and have 17 chart in Billboard’s Top 20.

Looking back, Jack said: “The highlight for me was always playing in London.

“The Palladium was probably my favourite venue.”

He also appeared on the Morecambe & Wise Christmas Show in 1972, in which he did an impression of Laurel & Hardy before singing two songs.

Recalling his appearance on the show, Jack said: “My dad was a fan of Eric and Ernie, so it was a lot of fun appearing on the show.”

Tickets for Saturday’s show at the Floral Pavilion, which starts at 7.30pm, are from the box office on 0151 666 0000