Sinatra fan Marty Matthews shared this personal note with us. He sent it to Mr. Sinatra last December 13th, the day after Frank's 82nd birthday.

Dear Mr. Sinatra:

Sorry my greeting is a day late, but I thought I stood more of a chance of it actually getting to you this way, instead of being just another in the inundation you must have received yesterday.

You, sir, have meant more to me than you'll ever know. I'm 36 years old and ever since I was 18, you've been a constant in my life. I've partied with you, I've drank with you, I've been drunk with you, I've cried with you, I've hit ROCK bottom with you, and I've been on TOP of the world with you.

When I'm low, "I'm a Fool to Want You,"
When I'm high, "I've got you under my Skin."
And in between: The Man and His Music.

I'm working on my PhD in history and after our department Xmas party at a professor's house, about 25 of us adjourned to my house for a party in your honor, with your music on the CD player, your movies (muted) on TV, and "that black ass-ah Jack Daniels," among other things, in the glasses.

One more thing and I'll wrap this up. 2 weeks ago, I lost my cat of 16 1/2 years. When she was a kitten, I used to lie in bed at night and sing your songs along with your records. She'd always jump on my chest and purr and go to sleep. All her life, when I'd start singing along with you she would come running. At least SOMEONE appreciated my ambition to sing like you. In honor of your birthday, and my lost kitty, yesterday I went to the animal shelter and got a nice little tom-cat who I named, what else, "Frank."

Happy Birthday Frank. I LOVE YOU!

Marty D. Matthews

There wasn't a thing left to say,
The night HE called it a day.