Nevada Appeal at 150: Dec. 9, 1963: Son of Frank Sinatra kidnapped at Tahoe

Tino Barzie, manager of Frank Sinatra Jr., was standing by his telephone this afternoon, waiting for a hoped-for call from the armed men who kidnapped the 19-year-old singer.

Barzie said he was doing this at the request of the elder Sinatra. He described in detail how two assailants were admitted to the motel room trumpeter John Foss and the young crooner were sharing. His story followed closely earlier descriptions of the kidnapping given by Foss. Barzie said the trumpet player who was staying in the same motel room as Frank Jr., was certain he freed himself from his bonds and notified authorities in time to set up effective roadblocks.

Frank Sinatra Jr.’s manager said the young singer’s kidnapping came completely without warning.

The son of the famed crooner opened with the band, billed as the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, at Harrah’s Tahoe Lounge Tuesday.

This continues the Appeal’s review of news stories and headlines during its Sesquicentennial year.