I can't believe 20 years have gone by and it's time to remember Hoboken, New Jersey’s hometown son, Frank Sinatra who passed away on May 14, 1998.

His legacy is first and foremost, his music. From “All Or Nothing At All” to “New York, New York” and “My Way,” he compiled an unequaled resume of pop standard songs and he is very much a part of the “Great American Songbook.”

People around the world, young and old, should pause and give thanks to Frank and those associated with his success for the treasure trove of great music and songs they left for us to enjoy.

Among those honoring Frank Sinatra are Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Peggy King and the All-Star Jazz Trio, singer/actress Jane Powell, author Will Friedwald, musician/conductor George Roumanis, talent promoter/musician Billy Jon Coogan, archivist Anthony DiFlorio lll, WYYR program director Chris Valenti and DJ Ronnie Allen. 

We should never forget the musical legacy Ol’ Blue Eyes left us to enjoy forever — and I believe it was his way of saying “thanks” to us for supporting him through good times and bad. 

It is also remarkable that Sinatra, the man and the music, remains as part of American culture and continues to grow in popularity year after year.

Thank you, Francis Albert Sinatra!

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Stark, who frequently writes letters to the editor to the Daily Planet, lives in Mooresville.