Hairman of the Board Book Signing Event with Joe Paris

Joe and Frank

The aroma of freshly brewed espresso hung thick in the air at Grotta Azzurra, the legendary Little Italy restaurant, its walls adorned with photos of bygone eras and the ghosts of Sinatra tunes past. On this chilly December 12th, however, the buzz wasn’t just about the marinara sauce. A crowd had gathered, a mix of curious tourists, die-hard Sinatra fans, and familiar faces from the neighborhood, all drawn by the promise of a glimpse into the Chairman of the Board’s world.

At the center of it all was Joseph Paris, the man who had held a mirror to Sinatra for decades, not just as his hairstylist, but as his confidante and friend. His new memoir, “Hairman of the Board.” lay open on the table, its cover showcasing a younger Paris with a twinkle in his eye and a comb tucked behind his ear, standing beside a relaxed and smiling Sinatra.

Paris, now a sprightly octogenarian, held court with the effortless charm of a man who had spent a lifetime around legends. His daughter, Michele, radiant with pride, and his wife, Francesca, a picture of quiet elegance, stood nearby, beaming at the turnout.

Steve Buscemi, the acclaimed actor and a downtown New York icon in his own right, was among the first to arrive. With his signature wry smile and understated cool, he greeted Paris warmly. The two men, both Brooklyn-born and steeped in the city’s lore, shared an easy camaraderie. Buscemi, a Sinatra enthusiast himself, had come to hear firsthand accounts of the man whose music had shaped a generation.

Steve Buscemi and Joe Paris

Then there was David Catalano, better known in these parts as “DaveCat”.  He produced several online series including the NFL Rhyme Reel and The Smalls Family.  David is an Independent Filmaker and Content Creator.  Check out his Iconic Sports Media Channel on YouTube here.

As Paris began to share stories, the room leaned in. He painted vivid pictures with his words, transporting the audience back to a time when Sinatra ruled the Copa, the Rat Pack held court in Vegas, and the air crackled with the electricity of Hollywood glamour.

He recounted the time Sinatra, in a fit of pique on a movie set, demanded a haircut at 3 a.m., sending Paris scrambling for his tools. He spoke of the impromptu gatherings at Jilly’s, the legendary New York nightclub, where Sinatra would hold court with his entourage, the laughter and music spilling out onto the streets. He recalled the time he had to “evict” the Righteous Brothers from Sinatra’s private steam room at the Sands Hotel, a story that drew chuckles from the crowd.

But beyond the anecdotes and the glamour, Paris offered a glimpse into Sinatra’s vulnerability. He spoke of the man behind the myth, the one who craved loyalty and connection, who valued the quiet intimacy of a late-night conversation as much as the roar of the crowd.

As the afternoon wore on, the line for book signings grew longer. Paris, with an inexhaustible supply of patience and good humor, personalized each copy, sharing a quick story or a warm smile with every fan.

Grotta Azzurra, a place steeped in its own history, seemed to vibrate with the energy of the event. The ghosts of Sinatra’s era mingled with the living, the past and present converging in a celebration of music, memory, and the enduring power of storytelling.

For those who were there, it was more than just a book signing. It was a journey back in time, a chance to rub shoulders with history, and a reminder that even in the heart of the bustling city, some stories, like the songs of Sinatra, never fade away. Get your copy on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/41anhWp