Almost Hits: Frank Sinatra - Theme From New York, New York (1980)

In 1980 Frank Sinatra released "Theme From New York, New York" as a single off of his album Trilogy: Past Present Future. Despite it becoming what is undoutedly the song most identified with Sinatra "Theme From New York, New York" only peaked at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was his last single to reach the Top 40. It's probably also the song most associated with the city that never sleeps.

This theme replaced an earlier song written for Martin Scorsese's 1977 film, New York, New York, after star Robert Dinero said the first attempt wasn't good enough. Composers John Kander and Fred Ebb then came up with a spectacular second piece that was originally sung by Liza Minnelli in the movie, but it was Sinatra who turned it into an iconic musical and cultural phenomenon.

In 1981 arranger Don Costa received a Grammy nomination for his orchestration, and Sinatra was also nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Sadly, the aging Chairman of the Board lost to the Kenny Loggins hit, "This Is It."

Almost since the beginning of its release "Theme From New York, New York" has been part of every New York Yankees' home game because team owner George Steinbrenner loved it. After Sinatra gave his permission to use the song it was played after every Bronx Bombers win and Minnelli's was used only when they lost. After she complained, the team dropped hers and played Sinatra's record exclusively. Why, I don't know.

The NBA's Knicks and the NHL's Rangers have also featured this classic tune, but to many people in the Big Apple it became so heavily associated with the Yankees that it was often booed by Mets fans. However, after September 11, 2001 New York pride overtook National League fans too and the Mets began playing it at Shea Stadium. It was also heard after all four of the Giants' Super Bowl wins.

Sinatra recorded two more versions: one for his 1981 TV special, The Man and His Music, and again with Tony Bennett on his Duets album. But, it's Ol' Blue Eyes' original record that is so loved today.

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Almost Hits is an occasional exploration into songs that failed to reach the top 20 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Many have become classics despite what their chart position would indicate.

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