500 CLUB, JILLY'S & SINATRAMA

The 500 Club was an important place for both Frank and Dean. Frank played there in the late 40's and early 50's when his career and popularity was just so-so. 'Skinny' D'amato, the owner of the club (his niece, Terry, was a classmate of mine)booked and promoted Frank during this period. They became friends. Dean, as the story goes, met Jerry there when he filled in for another singer. Jerry was cutting up on stage during Deans act. According to the story, the crowd went crazy and thats how they formed their act. In 1962, the boys had a reunion of sorts at the club. Bill Rodstein, owner of the Philly club 'SINATRAMA', recorded the 4AM show and "GAVE" away copies of the performance(aka: "THE LATIMER ALBUM) to special customer at his Sinatra themed club. This time the "BOYS" were supporting their friend, Skinny. The club burnt down by the end of the decade. Jill's, what can I say. Jilly Rizzo was Frank's best friend and had this joint. And, what a joint it was.