S2 E136: Tom Dreesen and Frank Sinatra: A Couple Neighborhood Guys

Dennis spends the entire show with comedian Tom Dreesen, talking about his new book "Still Standing...: My Journey from Streets and Saloons to the Stage, and Sinatra". Tom talks about how he and Frank were both kids from the neighborhood, in Tom's case, Harvey, Illinois where he started working shining shoes as a kid to help feed himself and his seven siblings. He also discusses his time in the Navy, selling insurance and getting into show business, first as part of a comedy duo with actor Tim Reid then heading to Los Angeles to get into stand-up and his singular focus on getting on The Tonight Show. He also talks to some of the comedians he befriended during that time, including David Letterman and Robin Williams and getting advice from Jack Benny. Tom describes touring with Sammy Davis Jr. and how that led to him opening for Frank Sinatra for 14 years and how well he got to know The Chairman of the Board, including some of the lessons he learned with him, remembrances of being on the road together and being a pall bearer and emcee at his funeral.  This episode is brought to you by our sponsor: Plexaderm (Code: MILLER) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices