Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra Paperback – April 1, 2004

"Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra," written by George Jacobs - Frank's valet/personal assistant; friend; confidante of 15 years, is a very candid and extremely engrossing book. In every page, it is clear that George Jacobs truly loved Frank Sinatra as a brother. Although I knew quite a bit about Frank Sinatra's life already, I was totally unprepared for how interesting and "can't-put-it-down" this book turned out to be. I loved it.Frank Sinatra was the best of men and the absolute worst of men. He was the most generous of men and yet he was the most vindictive of men as well. He was a contradiction in human nature in extremes. If you even slightly offended him or were perceived as disloyal, you seldom got another chance.George tells of his relationship with Frank and Frank's rise and fall and rise back again to fame. He writes of his adventures with Frank's family and how wonderful "Big Nancy" was to Frank - long after the divorce. After reading this, I truly thought Frank Sinatra's first wife was a saint!I expected this book to touch on just the superficial, but it really delved into a part of our history. Like millions of baby boomers, I idolized John F. Kennedy. Yes - I knew that he had an affair with Marilyn Monroe, but I didn't know about the barrage of call girls and cocaine. When JFK was campaigning, he asked George, "What do colored people want?" Diplomatically, George responded that he didn't know and asked Jack what he wanted (for our country). JFK, with a big leering grin, responded," I want to f*ck every woman in Hollywood." Statements like this just amazed me.As we all know, Joe Kennedy Sr. had many mob connection from his bootlegging days. This book relates how Illinois was virtually a present to JFK from the mob in the election.I had heard about the helicopter pad that Frank Sinatra was reported to have destroyed when John Kennedy's visit was cancelled, but I wasn't aware of the extent of John's deception. Frank Sinatra spent over a year campaigning for JFK; having "High Hopes" written and performed; and spending a fortune in anticipation of JFK's visit. Without Joe's influence, John totally turned his back on Sinatra and decided to stay at Bing Crosby's (who had supported Nixon)! Moreover, it was highly likely that he set things in motion for Marilyn's death when she threatened to expose their affair. Bobby Kennedy (whom I had also admired) and Jackie were even more ungrateful than John.No one deserved what Woody Allen did to Mia Farrow later in life, but I couldn't help thinking that Mia was so wrong in not setting the record straight with Frank about her dancing with George. George was "babysitting" Mia and trying to pacify her when she dragged him onto the dance floor. When the paparazzi went wild with these pictures, George's life was to change forever. As a result, he was literally fired overnight by Frank Sinatra. George had money saved, but it is clear that he never recovered from this blow dealt to him by Sinatra.My heart absolutely broke for George Jacobs. I literally cried when he tells how he burst into tears upon seeing Frank after 10 years. Frank went over and touched his shoulder and said, "Forget about it kid. It ain't so bad." I do feel Frank Sinatra "forgave" George, but I believe that Barbara Marx would never have allowed him to rehire George because he knew too much about her past.I had always believed Barbara Marx to be a charitable woman with a great deal of class. She was actually a Vegas showgirl from a poor background who married the much older Zeppo. Everyone knew that she was simply trying to marry money and that she regularly cheated on Zeppo - often with Sinatra. He had known her for years. George was not even allowed to attend Frank Sinatra's funeral - but instead had to watch from across the street.In the end, one realizes that George Jacobs has found peace. He honestly didn't deserve the low blow that Sinatra dealt him. However, you also realize that through his own insecurities, Frank Sinatra lost one of his dearest friends who loved him most. In the end, Frank Sinatra was the one who lost the most. I truly pray that Sinatra came to know this.

What a great book! I little hard to read with the verbiage used but I'm sure it's how the phrases were used in that era. I found myself Goggling every actor/actress mention because I couldn't picture who the book was talking about. Even though there is 60 years difference between my age and Sinatra's age, it was still riveting and a great page-turner.I'm a little let down now that I've read this book. Not because of the book itself but because I had Sinatra on a pedestal. One of the greats from that era. A good looking man, beautiful God-given voice and with great acting abilities. Hollywood sure fooled me! Oh well...it's still a great book by a great man.

George Jacobs has written a memoir of his time as valet to the super star of the 50's and '60's, Frank Sinatra. Sinatra was the epitome of suave and debonair in his hey dry. Every movement he made was chronicled by the press. There is nothing new here. If one either grew up during this time or is interested in Old Hollywood and Young Vegas, one would have heard of or read most of these stories.The difference in this book from all the others is the perspective. George lived with Sinatra longer than anyone. He can tell us from the inside. Everyone else is telling it from mostly the outside. Also, George tells it with love. One has to have respect for someone like George, who, despite the bad ending, remained a true friend, despite Sinatra's rejection, and disinterest.Another difference of this book is the way the story is told. It is like George is YOUR friend and he is just having a casual conversation with you. It seems he is confiding in you, showing his vulnerability, showing you his heart. He tells us of all the sides of Sinatra, and even when it is less than flattering, George tells us with such reverence, that it seems like George is telling it from a place of needing to understand it himself. One never feels George is gossiping or mean-spirited.The book is an easy, quick read. It's a bromance. If one loves to read about pop culture this book is for you. And if you are a Frank Sinatra fan, this is a must-read.

I am NOT a Sinatra fan but I love biographies. After watching the recent 3 part Sinatra documentary it felt like a LOT was left out and it piqued my interest. I saw this book and it has proved to be fairly revealing and a quick read. Despite Sinatra's singing talent, I've read so many accounts of people he intentionally and unbelievably randomly out of the blue cut out of his life. The author is a case in point.SPOILERS: Sinatra had Mr. Jacobs escort Ava Gardner and Farrow (and other girlfriends) on previous outings, as a chaperone and to keep an eye on them. Sinatra and Farrow were divorcing and Jacobs happened to see Farrow at a club. Mia asked Jacobs to dance, they did the watusi and a photo was published. Jacobs found his keys no longer worked, and neither did he, at Sinatra's home the next morning. A lackey informed him he was no longer needed and his personal belongings would be sent to him. After 12 or 13 years it was just OVER - no explanations to a very discreet, loyal employee. This paranoid, perceived disloyalty was also wrecked upon Betty Bacall. Sinatra and Bacall privately became engaged but a fan mag made a lucky guess and printed that they were indeed engaged. Sinatra the accused Bacall of notifying them - and she was OUT.Sinatra was a very fortunate man to be talented and have a successful career but he ruined so many people who truly cared for him with his very paranoid and vindictive actions.

Great compelling biography written from Sinatra's bodyguard. Fun, quick read, that takes you back in time, and you get up close and personal with the people who were in and out of Sinatra's life. It's also fun to get a different perspective from someone who depicts the legendary stories with some the infamous stars Sinatra was close to, entertaining.

Great read. Better than I would have hoped. I wasn't a Sinatra fan, so hearing about his ups and downs was interesting and very entertaining. Great gossip, swift enjoyable pace and never a dull moment. Best book I've read in a long while, I couldn't recommend it more.

Recently when I was in Florida for the winter, tried getting it at the library and was told I was number 8 on the waiting list., This resulted from a "Butler" blog recommending it. So, when I returned to Canada I ordered it from Amazon and I had it in two days. There was a lot of new interesting gossip about Mr. S and his circle of friends who were known by everyone. It is quite a read and took it everywhere with me until I finished it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who knew of or was a fan of Frank Sinatra. .

Being particularly interested by the 50's and 60's, I found the story right in the middle of an extraordinary era. It is well written and direct. How close to the truth is it ? I do not know but one thing for sure it seems plausible. I enjoyed it very much and recommend!

Fascinating book. Great stories

I enjoyed reading about the man and his excesses, which were truly over the top. Much of what is written is already well known, but this book is a good example of how outrageously a person can behave if there is no power to stop them. Rather like a dictator or potentiat ruling with absolute power the book describes a man drunk on power with everyone afraid to point out the truth to them.The author contradicts himself often, but this is a good read.