Frank Sinatra and The Beatles: A Surprising Collaboration

While it is well-known that Frank Sinatra famously labelled The Beatles as "vulgar nincompoops," there are instances that suggest a surprising collaboration between these two legendary figures. This article delves into the intriguing history of their meeting and a unique musical project that took place in 1968.

Friction and Unlikely Allies

Frank Sinatra and The Beatles were two of the most iconic names of the 20th century, yet their relationship was built on friction. When The Beatles first became popular in the U.S., Sinatra famously referred to them as 'vulgar nincompoops,' indicating a rift between the two. However, the story of a unique collaboration between them came to light in a surprising turn of events.

The Unexpected Collaboration

In August 1968, the story took an unexpected turn. Apple Records, under the direction of Ron Kass, possibly inspired by Peter Brown, approached Frank Sinatra in a favor. During a studio session at Capitol Records in Los Angeles, Sinatra recorded a version of 'The Lady Is a Tramp' and reworked the lyrics to create a birthday gift for Ringo Starr's wife, Maureen Starkey. This session was conducted spontaneously, with Sinatra's performance being accompanied by Sammy Kahn's piano. The original recording had to be flown to London, where a single 45-rpm record was created. The master tape and stamping plates were immediately destroyed to maintain secrecy. The result was an incredible gift: 'The Lady Is a Champ,' as it affectionately became known.

Impressive Collaboration

Sinatra was not just a one-time collaborator. He went on to cover 'Something' from The Beatles' Abbey Road album in 1969. Interestingly, when he recorded it, the credit mistakenly gave the composition to Lennon-McCartney instead of George Harrison. However, his respect for the band was genuine, as he showed in his performance of 'Something.'

Ri?iki and New Partners

By the late 1960s, Sinatra was known for collaborating with younger artists. He worked with The Fifth Dimension, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Rod McKuen, and even his daughter, Nancy. This collaboration was not just about music but also about sustaining his image. Sinatra likely did not invite The Beatles to collaborate due to their age difference and the established tension between him and The Beatles.

Frank Sinatra's Response

To answer the question definitively, only Frank Sinatra could provide the final word. However, Ringo Starr's request for a song on his wife's birthday is a testament to the respect Sinatra had for his admirers. The song, 'The Lady is a Champ,' received praise for its unique adaptation of the old song with new and very funny lyrics.

This collaboration serves as a reminder that even celebrated figures can come together in unexpected ways, creating memorable moments in music history.