For all the clamoring in music over the latest, greatest act, there will always be people who prefer the standards delivered in a velvety timbre.
Bobby Marchetti spent much of his life in the construction business. Then the big-band frontman experienced an epiphany. We caught up with the sentimental crooner to find out more:
Q: Is it true your singing career begin with a dare?
A: Growing up in Brooklyn, I never did sing. I was too bashful. … Back then, I shined shoes. The owner of the place used to say, “Bobby, singa song, singa song!” Then he would pinch my cheeks and his hands were like sandpaper. One day, I got a knock on the door from a man who said he was from The Juilliard School. He said there was a gentleman who wanted to sponsor me, one of the guys I shined shoes for. He thought my voice was that special. But I never did it.
In 1992, I had a little granddaughter who died. Her name was Andrea. She had a form of spinal muscular atrophy. My mom had died eight months before that. So I went to the cemetery where my mom and dad and granddaughter were buried. Afterwards, I was stopped at a railroad crossing and it was like someone took my hand. I started writing a song called, “Little Andrea.” The reason I’m singing now is because of Andrea.
A year later, the construction company I worked for transferred me to L.A. One night one of the guys says, “Let’s go out and have some dinner.” We go to this nightclub called Dimples in Burbank and I hear, “O.K. Bobby Marchetti, come on up!” My friends played a trick on me and put my name in for karaoke. I sang “My Way” and got a standing ovation. Then this guy came over, gave me a card and said he owned a recording studio.
Q: What song is the most fun for you to sing?
A: I’m an incurable romantic, so love songs, to me, are great. Songs like “You Are So Beautiful” or “The Shadow of Your Smile.” Once I sang “I’ll Be Seeing You.” After the show this woman had mascara running down her cheeks. She said, “I cried with joy because of the memories you brought back.”
Q: Is this area kind to big-band acts like yours?
A: For the most part, people have been wonderful. The most thrilling thing that happened to me recently is that I teamed up with Ralph Sharon. He was Tony Bennett’s piano player for 42 years. He lives in Boulder now. Ralph and I did a show together recently that was a tremendous success. Now people are trying to call us because let’s face it, neither of us is young. Ralph is in his 70s and I’m in my 60s. But regardless of how young or old you are, if you have a dream, you’ve got to live your dream. People think when you get older, you’re done. Quite the contrary.
Bobby Marchetti and trumpeter Chris Lawson join the Celebration Orchestra for a show Tuesday at Dazzle Supper Club, 930 Lincoln St. Reservations at 303-839-5100.
