A palpable sense of history and anticipation filled the recording studio at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music on December 4th. Four expert movers carefully maneuvered a magnificent nine-foot, 92-key Bösendorfer Model 275 grand piano into the space. This wasn’t just any instrument; it was a legendary Frank Sinatra Piano, drawing a crowd that included faculty, staff, the dean, and notably, Tina Sinatra. She, along with her sister Nancy, was donating the iconic piano, unseen for over 25 years, creating a buzz about its condition and sound.
A Storied Journey: From Composer to Crooner
Like many treasured instruments, this Bösendorfer boasts a remarkable history. Its journey began with Jimmy Van Heusen, one of America’s most celebrated popular composers. Van Heusen acquired the majestic grand piano, which eventually found its way through the vibrant Southern California music scene of the late 20th century.
Tina Sinatra shared the charming origin story: “The piano was a gift from Jimmy Van Heusen to my sister’s children.” After Nancy Sinatra had a baby, Frank Sinatra visited, bringing Van Heusen along. “I remember Jimmy looking around Nancy’s house and there was a bay window area with nothing in it. And he said, ‘Ah, I have something to fill that space. It’s as big as a boat and it’s beautiful.’” This generous gift cemented the close ties between Van Heusen and the Sinatra family. Their professional collaboration began in 1935, leading to massive hits penned by Van Heusen for Sinatra, including “Imagination,” “Polka Dots and Moonbeams,” “Love is the Tender Trap,” “Swinging on a Star,” “Love and Marriage,” and the timeless “Come Fly with Me.”
The Piano at Sinatra’s Homes
This era was a golden age for entertainment, where pianos were central to social gatherings. “Nobody was shy of singing at dinner parties,” Tina recalled, reminiscing about birthdays where stars like Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and her father would perform, alongside impromptu songs from guests like Yul Brynner or Judy Garland. “You always had a pianist at a dinner party… It was never canned music.”
Though initially intended for Nancy’s children, circumstances led the Bösendorfer to Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs residence after Nancy moved. By the mid-1980s, the piano resided in Sinatra’s Beverly Hills home, remaining there for the rest of his life. It witnessed countless intimate moments and star-studded events, including the legendary after-party for Sinatra’s 80th birthday celebration in 1995, televised from the Shrine Auditorium. “Anyone who was anybody ended up back at my dad’s house,” Tina said. “And anyone who played a piano sat down to play.” Guests that night included luminaries like Bono, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan.
A New Chapter at UCLA
Following Frank Sinatra’s passing in 1998, the Bösendorfer piano went into storage. It remained preserved until Nancy and Tina Sinatra decided to gift it to The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, ensuring its music would continue.
“We are thrilled that this historic instrument with such a rich legacy will be here for our students,” stated Eileen Strempel, the school’s inaugural dean. “Great instruments are invocatory and carry resonances from the past, of great artists and their music. I couldn’t be happier than knowing our students will have the opportunity to play such a superb instrument and find inspiration in its history.”
Unveiling the Bösendorfer
Back in the recording studio on that December morning, anticipation peaked as Dean Strempel and Tina Sinatra stood ready. Together, they pulled back the protective blankets, revealing a sleek black piano with a finish so pristine it looked brand new.
Tina Sinatra and Dean Eileen Strempel unveiling the black Bösendorfer grand piano gifted by the Sinatra family to UCLA.
David Kaplan, Shapiro professor of piano performance, was the first to test its voice after decades of silence. The rich, vibrant tone that emerged perfectly matched its elegant appearance. “It’s an extraordinary piano,” Kaplan observed. “The Bösendorfer 275 has four extra keys that give the piano more resonance. It has a real majestic, orchestral tone.”
Professor David Kaplan playing the historic Frank Sinatra piano, a Bösendorfer 275, for Tina Sinatra and Dean Strempel at UCLA.
Sinatra’s Enduring UCLA Connection
This donation builds upon Frank Sinatra’s previous philanthropic relationship with UCLA. For years, he sponsored the Sinatra Performance Award for students. Gloria Cheng, now an adjunct professor at the school, was a past recipient. Winning involved a cash prize and a performance at Royce Hall – Cheng’s largest audience at the time. She tackled Franz Liszt’s challenging “Au bord d’une source.” Sinatra personally complimented her afterwards, joking, “about us both being from New Jersey,” Cheng remembered.
Archival photo of Frank Sinatra congratulating pianist Gloria Cheng, a past recipient of his UCLA performance award.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Frank Sinatra Piano at UCLA marks the beginning of a new legacy. This Bösendorfer, once a centerpiece in the homes of a music icon and host to legendary performers, now offers inspiration to a new generation. As Tina Sinatra reflected, “Pop always said if you enjoy what you’re doing, work at it very hard… He was also deeply invested in having the next generation learn the American songbook. This Bösendorfer touches the past. And it has a chance to be a bridge to the future.” For UCLA students, the opportunity to play this remarkable instrument connects them directly to music history, encouraging them to create their own futures in music.
