‘Simply Sinatra’ brings music of Ol’ Blue Eyes to GMU

Steve Lippia was born to sing the music of Frank Sinatra, but there were detours along the way. It took him several careers and an unexpected encounter to transfer his love of music from the back burner to the big time. This week he joins Jim Carroll and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra to re-create the sound and style of Ol’ Blue Eyes in “Simply Sinatra.”

Lippia’s signature show sizzles in venues from Birdland to Beverly Hills. Along with headlining in Las Vegas, most recently at the Sahara Hotel, he performs with major symphony orchestras and at jazz festivals throughout this country, Canada and Europe, and at galas honoring such celebrities as Aaron Spelling, Betty Ford and Donald Trump. Standing room only audiences are the norm.

“Like many kids, I grew up in Connecticut standing before a mirror with a hairbrush (pseudo mic) listening to and singing along with Sinatra and the great pops orchestras,” Lippia said. “He continues to merit attention because of the breadth and depth of his life and his unique style and personality. He lived as if he had three lives. He married, had three children and enjoyed a great social life with his buddies. He traveled the world, played before kings and queens, performed in movies and on television, and he was an astute businessman. His contributions to our pop culture continue to bring out fans and generate respect for the quality of his interpretive skills.”

Lippia never anticipated the stardom he has achieved at the prime of his life. He sang regularly in choruses and church choirs and was a roadie for the Bobby Kaye Big Band during high school. He enjoyed hanging out with the musicians so much that he regarded his salary of $15 as stealing money. But instead of following his dream, he took his father’s advice and attended college with a major in psychology, then headed to law school before establishing himself as a stockbroker and businessman.

Lippia continued to participate in community choruses until moving to Florida to start a new business. For relaxation, he joined a local band as a singer, never expecting to be invited to perform with a symphony backed by the Woody Herman Orchestra. Two influential men in show business heard him, and within a year he was a star. As easy as that.

Today Lippia is regarded as one of the finest interpreters of American pops standards. His special expertise is evident in “Simply Sinatra,” music by Sinatra’s own arranger delivered in a voice rich with the tell-tale phrasing and nuances.

“This show matters because Sinatra matters,” he said. “I do from 80 to 100 shows a year, and I like to mix up the music every time by singing some of his more popular numbers along with an obscure Side B. People welcome hearing something they haven’t heard for a long time. Best of all there’s nothing like seeing a live big band and discovering the power of lyrics and a beautiful tune.”