Frankie Laine was one of the most popular singing stars of the post-war era, with a career in the singles chart that lasted over two decades. He was one of the many stars to emerge from the USA's Italian-American community, but he was very different from his peers, with a clarion voice and emotionally charged style which set him apart from the crooners who were his contemporaries. He was hugely versatile, starting as an R&B-influenced jazz singer, but becoming popular performing in a variety of styles, from ballads, western-themed material (especially movie songs), country, middle-of-the-road pop and other genres. He had a long career, from his first concerts with a marathon dance troupe in 1930, through to his final performance in 2005, but his first hit came in 1947, after which he racked up a string of chart entries through to 1969. This great-value 79-track 3-CD collection brings together every Billboard Top 100, Cash Box Top 20 and UK Top 50 chart hit which he achieved through until 1961, by which time he had had his last Top 20 US hit - it includes the hits he had performing duets with artists like Jo Stafford, Doris Day, and Johnnie Ray. He enjoyed huge popularity on both sides of the Atlantic, with No.1s in both the USA and UK, and the collection features many landmark classics, including the No. 1 hits "That Lucky Old Sun", "Mule Train", "The Cry of the Wild Goose", "I Believe", "Hey Joe", "Answer Me" and "A Woman in Love". It's a great showcase for a unique and distinctive vocal stylist.
D**G
An eye-opener!
This is probably the best set of Frankie Laine available; it includes all of his US and UK hits. Some of the songs are "easy listening," meaning they are not so listenable to this listener! But surprisingly many are bluesy, jazzy, country-influenced or even reminiscent of 50's pop-rock. Others are in minor key. For one interested in period rock'n'roll, blues and country, it is definitely an eye-opener, and an excellent purchase! As generally the case with Acrobat Records, it is professionally made; the tracks are given in chronological order, and catalogue numbers and chart positions (US and UK) are given, but not session details. The booklet also contains exhaustive liner notes.
A**R
How do I start with a Review for this wonderful 3 CD set of Frankie LAINE it is just ...
How do I start with a Review for this wonderful 3 CD set of Frankie LAINEit is just perfect covers almost every song he ever sang over three recordlabels 80 tracks in all so if your a Frankie LAINE fan then this is one foryour collection, this then is surely worth a 5 star rating.Morris Part
V**S
Great Collection of Hits
The quality isn't as good as I hoped, but it's not bad either! If you are a fan & not a fanatic it is a good collection & many songs! This collection hits many of his hits & a few that you will remember when you hear them. I don't think the average fan will be disappointed!
P**R
Four Stars
Noy the best voice, but some great, memorable songs that you can't find everywhere -- especially for the price.
A**N
TERRIFIC COMPILATION
A TERRIFIC compilation by Acrobat. There were a few Cash Box items not offered, but I had some, and found some others.
J**S
Five Stars
love frankie!!!!
K**H
Five Stars
Excellent.Will
C**Z
Congratulations to Acrobat Reacords. This is a superb collection.
This compilation covers Frankie's periods on Mercury and Columbia from 1947-1961. During the 1960s, he re-recorded many of his Mercury tracks for Columbia as new recording technology came into being. With digital mastering techniques avalable today, the reissuing of these later, and often inferior recordings, is no longer necessary. and here you have the originals in all their glory with the original band members credited . The sound quality is excellent throughout, mono of course!. It comes in a sturdy triple set jewel case accompanied by a very informative 48 page booklet with excellent liner notes, matrix numbers and a detailed essay about Mr. Laine himself. Worth every penny!
A**S
Essential for fans
Nice to hear the original versions of these songs, rather than later remakes. High quality recordings too, especially considering their age.
H**N
Comprehensive in scope.
This Collection provides the listener with the best opportunity to appreciate the breadth of Frankie Laine's output as a singer.
A**M
Happy
Partner happy with cd
J**W
Four Stars
Decent Collection but why did it not include Blazing Saddles ?
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