Reaching for a Star

<p>Whenever I mention my Frankie Laine association to someone for the first time two questions always come up: Why are you interested in Frankie Laine and his music? and How did you meet Frankie?</p><p>I suppose the first question relates to my age. I was born a decade after Frankie had recorded That's My Desire in 1946. That record became Frankie's first to sell a million copies in 1947. Furthermore Frankie was already internationally famous by 1954 the year my parents were married.</p> <p>Why did I become interested in Frankie Laine and his music? I can sum it up in one word-<i>emotion</i>. Frankie now retired is an expressive person. As a true song stylist Frankie shaped and phrased the words in a melody thus creating a style that was all his own. Indeed all Frankie Laine fans treasure Frankie's great ability as a vocalist. However as far as I am concerned the allure of Frankie Laine goes beyond his musical voice. I think Frankie's immense emotion and profound appreciation for what he sang regardless of whether it was a jazzy up-tempo song or a slow ballad (or any other type of song) were what always captivated me.</p><p>This book answers the second question detailing the story associated with the first time I met Frankie Laine. Nonetheless when I met Frankie in 1985 our time together was notable in an unexpected way. I experienced another aspect of Frankie Laine which had absolutely nothing to do with music-his kindness. Although I had read stories about what a nice person Frankie always was I witnessed firsthand how much he truly cherishes his fans.</p> <p>Primarily I had two goals in writing this book. First I needed to assemble all my wonderful Frankie Laine adventures and put them down on paper in an organized fashion before my memories of the events faded. Therefore I searched through numerous videotapes audiotapes newspaper articles letters photographs and e-mail notes within my prized Laine library. Of course I also relied on my personal recollections. Second I aspired to relate to readers how an ordinary person (me) by sheer determination and action had succeeded in his initial quest-I <i>did</i> meet Frankie Laine. Additionally I developed a friendship with this amazing famous singer.</p><p>Each person has a special dream. Some dreams <i>do</i> come true.</p><br>-Craig Cronbaugh 2005