FRIDAYS ARE FOR FRANK: “The Call of the Canyon” (feat. Tommy Dorsey Orchestra)

“Just a melancholy echo ling’ring when the day is through
It’s the call of the canyon, once again I’m dreaming of you…”

No doubt we’re all getting a little stir crazy as the social distancing takes it’s toll.

And yes, Hoboken was a bit different in Frank Sinatra‘s time—but it wasn’t exactly home on the range. Nevertheless, his versatility really shines in this song, as the Italian kid from Monroe Street channels his inner cowpoke in what might actually be the world’s first ever “Spaghetti Western.”

A song written by Billy Hill (who hailed from that rugged frontier outpost known as Boston, Massachusetts) this version of “Call of the Canyon” was recorded in the early 1940’s when Frank toured with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford on the set of the 1962 film ‘Sergeants Three’ (Sid Avery photo).

“Every night I search the moonlight up and down the river shore
It’s the call of the canyon, maybe I will find you once more…”

Open space and wilderness can be tough to come by around here—but not as far as you might think. For a phenomenal resource covering local/regional hiking options within reach of Frank Sinatra’s hometown (subject to change due to COVID-19 restrictions), check out Take a Hike!

A 2.5 mile figure-8 loop in one of the less traveled parts of Norvin Green State Forest provides a chance to be outdoors in *relative* solitude (just don’t all go at once) https://t.co/9SexfZJ2Bx

— Take a Hike (@TakeAHikeNJ) April 5, 2020

“Standing there alone by the ashes of the fire we said would never die
Will I ever find an ember burning from the days gone by
Then I hear a lonely whisper as a little spark I see
It’s the call of the canyon, bringing back your answer to me”

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