The stage lights dim. An orchestra swells with familiar horns, piano notes cascading like coins from a jackpot win. Then, a voice emerges – rich, smooth, carrying the weight of classics, yet distinctly not Ol’ Blue Eyes. It’s Mark Tremonti, the GRAMMY® Award-winning, multiplatinum guitarist known for fronting Tremonti and anchoring Alter Bridge and Creed, standing confidently in a tailored suit, microphone in hand. He sounds remarkably at home paying tribute to Frank Sinatra, and he’s doing it for a deeply personal cause that aligns with Sinatra’s own philanthropic legacy.
Tremonti has recorded Tremonti Sings Sinatra, a collection of 14 iconic songs, backed by surviving members of Sinatra’s original band and other top-tier musicians. This isn’t just another covers album; it’s a heartfelt gift to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), released through his newly founded organization, Take A Chance For Charity. Every cent raised from the album will directly benefit NDSS, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. This project reveals a side of Tremonti previously unheard, on what may be the most significant recording of his career.
A Personal Connection: Sinatra, Stella, and a Cause
“For years, Iʼve loved singing along to Frankʼs songs,” Mark explains. His fascination deepened after discovering a 1944 video of Sinatra performing “The Song Is You,” prompting a deep dive into the legendary vocalist’s technique. “I was all in and I wanted to do something with it,” Tremonti states. The purpose became profoundly clear with the diagnosis of his daughter Stella’s Down syndrome. “When we found out about our daughter Stellaʼs Down syndrome diagnosis, the stars aligned. My obsession with Sinatra had its reason.”
He also drew inspiration from Sinatra’s often-overlooked charitable work. “Frank Sinatra raised more than a billion dollars for charity and that is a fact I wish the public knew more about,” Tremonti notes. “Beneath his cool and calm persona, he had a big heart. Doing this charity in his name was another way the stars had aligned. I decided to do this record to raise funds for families and individuals with Down syndrome. This project is the start of a new purpose that I will have for the rest of my life.”
Tremonti’s connection to Sinatra’s music dates back to childhood Christmases. He kept singing those standards, often during the long drives to and from his son’s soccer practices, honing his vocal approach. Tackling Sinatra’s catalog felt daunting, but the motivation fueled by his love for Stella overrode any hesitation.
Take A Chance For Charity logo featuring Stella Tremonti’s name
Navigating Challenges and Finding Strength
The Tremonti family immersed themselves in learning about Down syndrome, attending support groups and reading extensively. However, their journey faced a critical hurdle when doctors discovered holes in Stella’s heart before she was born. At just eleven months old, she required open-heart surgery—an experience Mark describes as the most difficult his family has ever faced.
“The waiting between the appointment and the surgery was the worst time in my life without exaggeration,” he shares candidly. “It was the saddest thing. There’s nothing like holding your little girl, feeling all of the sweetness and pure love that she is and knowing you have to prepare her for open heart surgery.” The surgery involved bypassing her heart, keeping her unconscious for a day and a half. “When she came back around, it became the best week of my life,” Tremonti recalls with relief. “A week later, she had no idea she had surgery. Since then, she’s been all smiles. I would love to let other families know that they can get through this and become stronger because of it. After going through Stella’s surgery, I want to raise as much money as possible to help other families that might have similar health concerns so they can focus on their loved ones and not the financial cost that comes with it.”
Assembling a World-Class Sinatra Ensemble
This project carried immense personal weight, driving Tremonti to ensure its authenticity. He approached his manager, Tim Tournier, who fully supported the vision. In another serendipitous moment, Tournier, who had taken lessons from Sinatra guitarist Dan McIntyre (known for work with Sinatra Jr., Della Reese, Vic Damone), connected Tremonti with McIntyre. This led them to Mike Smith, Sinatra’s own band leader, who also worked with legends like Tony Bennett and Harry Connick Jr. Tremonti’s commitment and vocal ability convinced them he was ready for this monumental task.
Tournier adds, “Mark was so passionate about his desire to combine his love for Frank Sinatra and to do something for Stella, I was immediately invested in this idea. Having known Dan McIntyre for most of my life, I knew the two would connect… connecting my mentor with my longtime friend is one of the most-gratifying things of my career.”
With the rare blessing of The Frank Sinatra Estate secured, the project moved forward authentically. Tremonti flew to Chicago for three recording sessions in 2021, led by Smith and McIntyre. He was joined by an ensemble of musicians whose collective credits read like a who’s who of music history, including work with Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, Billy Joel, Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and Buddy Rich.
Capturing the Magic: In the Studio with Legends
During his first Chicago session recording “Luck Be A Lady,” Tremonti experienced a moment of surreal connection. “Mike handed me Frank’s actual vocal chart with his name on top of it,” he remembers. “I tried to give it back, and Mike said, ‘I want you to have this to get that mojo.’ He gave me the exact tea Frank drank before he sang with the right amount of lemon… It was unbelievable to be working with the guys who were actually on stage with him.”
The album’s first single, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” showcases Tremonti’s light baritone navigating the iconic arrangement. “It’s one of Nelson Riddle’s best arrangements,” Tremonti notes with admiration, adding with a smile, “On a funny side note, it is one of my favorites to tackle on karaoke night!”
He explores different facets of Sinatra’s style, like the simmering nylon guitar and lower vocal register on the “hip tune” “Wave.” “I picture 007 sitting on the beach with a martini as it plays,” he remarks. The selection includes both hits and deeper cuts like “I Fall In Love Too Easily,” originally from the film ‘Anchors Aweigh,’ which Tremonti infuses with powerful intonation. The band also reimagined classics like “In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” and the early Sinatra hit “All Or Nothing At All.”
Recording Mark Tremonti My Way
The final recording session in Chicago culminated with a particularly poignant moment. To close out the album, Mark Tremonti recorded My Way, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar. This rendition, capping off an intensely personal project, holds special significance. “When the final recording session ended, it was truly a sad moment for me,” he admits. “Seeing the last guys standing at the end of the session was a reminder that this chapter was coming to an end. We climbed a mountain, but I could’ve gone on forever with it.”
Launching ‘Take A Chance For Charity’
Tremonti Sings Sinatra marks the beginning of a larger philanthropic endeavor: Take A Chance For Charity. This movement aims to inspire artists, actors, athletes, and entertainers to use their diverse talents for charitable initiatives outside their usual spheres.
“So many talented people have other skills that their fans or followers would never expect,” Tremonti explains. “This is the chance to do something you’re passionate about for charity. It’s a greenlight to do whatever you want to do. It’s a win-win all around.” His ambition extends beyond his own project. “I want people to talk about this enough to get other artists to participate,” he states. “Someday, I hope I’m a little old man who raised 100 million dollars for charity.”
Conclusion: A Father’s Love, A Lasting Legacy
Mark Tremonti’s journey into the world of Frank Sinatra is far more than a musical departure; it’s a testament to a father’s love and a commitment to making a difference. Driven by his daughter Stella’s journey and inspired by Sinatra’s own generosity, Tremonti Sings Sinatra captures a unique convergence of personal passion and philanthropic purpose. By lending his voice to these timeless standards, including his heartfelt take on “My Way,” Tremonti not only honors a musical icon but also channels his energy towards supporting the National Down Syndrome Society through his Take A Chance For Charity initiative. “My daughter has already made everyone around her a better person,” Tremonti concludes. “To do this for her means the world to me.” In the end, this extraordinary project, much like his dedication, is all for Stella.
