Atlantic City Weekly

Philly's great falsetto singer Donnie Elbert.

Once again, greetings and salutations. Hard to believe — just one more week, and then the summer season ends for most folks. Not for the Geator, because even though we close Memories, we still will be doing our thing. And we’ll keep you posted about our fall schedule as you continue to read the Weekly.

Last weekend, again, nothing but stars. It began with our favorite international personality, Pat Croce, making his annual return to Memories. Then there was Congressman Brady with his entourage. Of course, ever present was the amazing Pete Ciarrocchi and his lovely wife, Lisa, from Chickie’s & Pete’s, and one of my favorite attorneys, Fortunato Perri, whose dad, Fortunato Sr., is one of the classiest guys you’ll ever meet. The Longport kids were there, as were the Donatucci clan, John and Beth Turchi, John DiFilippo and his lovely wife, Maria, and on and on. Just a stellar weekend as usual.

This weekend we’ll go Friday, Saturday, and then Sunday the return of Ralphie Head, along with Jelly Roll, as we close our season at Memories. Doors will open up at 8, and of course, in honor of Ralphie, a little complimentary food buffet for you from Chickie’s & Pete’s and Barrels. So before we ask the Geator, remember, join me for the big celebration as we close our season at Memories in Margate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Now, time for your questions.

Jerry, Frank Sinatra has always reminded me of you (and vice versa). Do you ever get compared to ol’ blue eyes? And have you ever had a cocktail with him? — Loretta Schwartz, Longport

Interesting that on many of the radio and TV talk shows that I have done, many of the interviewers asked me that same question. I guess it’s because of the creative freedom that I’ve enjoyed throughout my entire career. Frank also, as the song says, did it his way, as I have done. They’ve also compared me in looks and size to Frank in his early years, when he, too, was a “Matchstick,” as he used to call me. And in the book, which will be published shortly, there are numerous stories about the times I’ve had the pleasure of spending with Frank, Sammy, and occasionally even family man Dean on the rare times that he wanted to hang out.

My wife is a big Johnny Mathis fan with “Misty” being her favorite song. For years she has insisted that it’s the original version and that Mathis wrote it. I think not, but don’t know the facts. — Martin Z.

Mathis’ version certainly was a gigantic hit in 1959, but it was not the original, and Johnny did not write it. It was released in 1954 as an instrumental by its composer, pianist Erroll Garner, with lyrics added by Johnny Burke in 1955. Both Mathis’ and Garner’s versions are in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and it has been recorded by many other artists, including Sarah Vaughan, the Magnificent Men, and even Lloyd Price.

Hi, Geator, this is Mr. & Mrs. G’s son. I need your help planning a 50th anniversary for my mom and dad. One of her favorite records is a guy who sings, “If I die and go to heaven and you’re not there, I’ll go down the other way just to be with you.” What’s the song? — Gaeton

Gaet, it’s by Donnie Elbert, the great falsetto singer from Philadelphia, and it’s called “My Confession of Love.” It’s available on our CD A Gift of Gold, Volume 1 (Driving Sounds).

Got a question for Jerry? Send it to AskTheGeator@acweekly.com or Geator Gold Radio, 626 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more info on Jerry’s appearances, go to www.geator.net — and keep on rocking, ’cause you only rock once!