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Coffee Break

9:30 Coffee Break: Crooners (Happy Birthday, Frank)

by Anna Reed

December 11, 2015

Frank Sinatra at Liederkranz Hall, New York, 1947
Frank Sinatra at Liederkranz Hall, New York, circa 1947.
William P. Gottlieb Collection, Library of Congress

Saturday is the birthday of Frank Sinatra, one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century.

Since Frank would be turning 100 this year, we want to celebrate him with a 9:30 Coffee Break featuring all crooners, all the time.

Just what is a crooner exactly? Historically the term has been used to describe overly sentimental, emotional male singers. But today people tend to think of crooners as jazz (or even pop or indie rock) singers using a soft, smooth voice backed by a full orchestra, band or piano.

We recently did a crooner-themed Coffee Break to celebrate the 80th birthday of Johnny Mathis, so we'd like to challenge you to avoid these songs in your suggestions:

Johnny Mathis "Misty"
Rufus Wainwright "Release the Stars"
Frank Sinatra "Somethin' Stupid"
Amy Winehouse and Tony Bennett "Body and Soul"
Morrissey "I'm Throwing my Arms Around Paris"
Dean Martin "That's Amore"
Lena Horne "Stormy Weather"

And though crooners are typically thought of as male, don't forget to think of female crooners in your suggestions today.

Songs Played

Chris Isaak "Wicked Game"
Father John Misty "I Love You Honey Bear"
Rosemary Clooney "Sway"
Roy Orbison "In Dreams"
Chet Baker "The Thrill is Gone"
Raphael Saadiq "Good Man"
National "Bloodbuzz Ohio"
Nina Simone "Sugar in my Bowl"

Do you deserve a Coffee Break? We at The Current's Morning Show think you do, and we want to bring treats from Black: Coffee and Waffle Bar to your workplace. Let us know why you'd like a Coffee Break - or request your own idea for a future topic.

9:30 Coffee Break: Crooners (Happy Birthday, Frank)