Fifty years ago, on May 12, 2010, marked another anniversary in the life of Elvis Presley – the 50th anniversary of his appearance on Frank Sinatra’s television special in 1960. Taped at Miami’s Fontainebleau Hotel on March 26, 1960, and aired nationally on ABC-TV, this program, sponsored by Timex, was a pivotal moment for Presley. It represented his first television performance since January 1957 and his first live audience appearance since November 1957 in Hawaii. Fresh from his army service, a great deal rested on this Sinatra collaboration.
Despite its significance, relatively little has been documented about this particular television event compared to Elvis’s other appearances. However, for Presley, it was a high-stakes comeback attempt.
Critical Reception: A Tale of Two Worlds
Upon its airing, contemporary reviews painted a starkly contrasting picture of Elvis’s return to the entertainment business. Critics at publications like The New York Times and Billboard offered harsh assessments, while the ultimate audience ratings told a different story.
The New York Times Review: “Merely Awful”
John P. Shanley’s review in The New York Times on May 13, 1960, was unsparing: “The recent liberation from the Army of Elvis Presley may have been one of the most irritating events since the invention of itching powder… as a singer he has never left the awkward squad. There was nothing morally reprehensible about his performance; it was merely awful.” Shanley noted Elvis’s performance of several numbers, including a duet with Sinatra, but found his stage presence lacking. The review also mentioned other participants like Nancy Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford.
Billboard’s Perspective: “Needs Face-Lift”
Billboard magazine, in its May 16, 1960, issue, offered a slightly gentler critique but still suggested Presley “has much to learn.” The review stated, “For his reported $125,000 fee, the Memphis rocker offered two tunes… Beyond this, he engaged in a bit of repartee and a duet with Sinatra.” While the harmony on “Love Me Tender” and “Witchcraft” was acknowledged, Billboard observed Presley’s “disturbing tendency to swing his arms back and forth, a distracting habit which gives the impression he’s never at ease.” The magazine also highlighted Nancy Sinatra’s “charm, poise, pleasant singing voice and an ability to dance.”
The Morning Call’s Verdict: An “Outrageous Turkey”
Adding to the critical wave, Eve Starr in The Morning Call (Allentown, PA) on August 30, 1960, declared, “Everybody tuned in to watch Presley’s first post-army TV appearance and it turned out to be one of the most outrageous turkeys of the season, if not of all time.”
The Audience’s Response: Ratings Success
Despite the critical panning, the Sinatra special, featuring Elvis Presley, achieved monumental success in terms of viewership. Variety reported that the overnight ratings were among the highest in recent years for a prime-time one-shot. Trendex awarded the show a remarkable 41.5 rating and a 67.7% share of the sets-in-use for its hour-long broadcast. This indicated a fervent public demand to see their idol, even if his screen time was limited to just 8 minutes.
The show also featured other notable performers, including Sammy Davis Jr., who was lauded for his energetic performance. Nancy Sinatra, Frank Sinatra’s daughter, made a memorable appearance, showcasing her burgeoning talent.
Legacy and Reflection
The 1960 Sinatra-Elvis special remains a fascinating case study in the divergence between critical opinion and audience reception. While critics focused on perceived shortcomings in Presley’s performance and presentation, the public’s enduring affection and loyalty were undeniable, as evidenced by the staggering ratings.
Frank Sinatra, a titan of the music industry, was known for his influential career and his family, including his daughter Nancy Sinatra, who also appeared on the special. Sinatra’s later years were marked by continued performances and a lasting impact on music.
A Critic’s Son’s Perspective
Adding a personal layer to the historical record, Don Shanley, son of John P. Shanley (the New York Times critic), offered a poignant reflection. He noted his father’s critical stance, attributing it to being “45 and totally out of touch with the music of the time.” Don Shanley shared an anecdote about his father turning down a Beatles interview assignment in 1964, further illustrating a generational gap in musical appreciation within the critic’s family.
Conclusion: A Resounding Return, Critically Debated
The Sinatra ’60 Special, while met with harsh critical reviews, undeniably marked a triumphant return for Elvis Presley in terms of audience engagement. It underscored the immense power of his fanbase and his status as a cultural icon. This event, though debated by critics then and now, solidified Elvis’s comeback and paved the way for his continued success in the 1960s. Explore more about the enduring legacy of artists like Frank Sinatra and the evolving landscape of music television.