The Fred E. Browning Years

Frank Sinatra: The legendary singer allegedly performed at the casino during the late 1940s, drawing significant attention and cementing Top O’ Hill Terrace’s reputation as a premier entertainment venue. An American singer, actor, and producer, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sinatra rose to fame in the 1940s, initially as a crooner with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras before embarking on a successful solo career. His smooth voice, impeccable phrasing, and emotional depth made him a beloved figure across multiple genres, from jazz and pop to big band and swing. Sinatra’s charisma extended beyond music; he also achieved success as an actor, winning an Academy Award for his role in From Here to Eternity (1953). Known for his hit songs like “My Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “New York, New York,” Sinatra became a cultural icon, earning the nickname “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” His influence spanned decades, and his legacy as both a musical pioneer and a symbol of cool, class, and style continues to endure.

Tommy Dorsey: The renowned bandleader brought his iconic big band sound to the stage, enhancing the venue’s prestige with his jazz and swing performances. An influential American trombonist, composer, and bandleader, best known for his role in shaping the big band and swing music era of the 1930s and 1940s. Born on November 19, 1905, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Dorsey began his career as a trombonist with various orchestras before forming his own band in 1935. His smooth, lyrical playing style earned him the nickname “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,” and he was widely admired for his ability to blend jazz improvisation with polished arrangements. Dorsey’s orchestra became a popular force in both the radio and recording worlds, featuring some of the era’s top talents, including Frank Sinatra early in his career. Dorsey was a key figure in popularizing swing music, with hits like “I’m Gettin’ Sentimental Over You” and “A Sentimental Gentleman from Georgia.” His band also helped elevate the careers of future stars like Sinatra and Jo Stafford. Dorsey’s contributions to the music world, both as a performer and as a bandleader, cemented his legacy as one of the most important figures in the golden age of American jazz and swing.

Al Jolson: Known for his talent in vaudeville and early cinema, Jolson’s appearances further elevated the venue’s status and drew fans from across the nation. A pioneering American singer, comedian, and actor, often hailed as one of the most significant entertainers of the early 20th century. Born Asa Yoelson on May 26, 1886, in Lithuania, Jolson became famous for his powerful voice, larger-than-life personality, and his groundbreaking work in film and live performance. He is best known for his role in The Jazz Singer(1927), the first full-length “talkie” film, which marked a turning point in cinema history and made Jolson an international star. His performance in this film, where he sang “Mammy” and “Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goodbye),” is considered iconic, helping to establish the viability of synchronized sound in motion pictures. Jolson’s stage presence was marked by his energetic, often flamboyant style, and he was known for his ability to connect with audiences through his emotive voice and exuberant performances. Although his career was not without controversy, especially for his use of blackface in some performances, Jolson’s impact on entertainment—both in music and film—was immense. He became known as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” and remains a key figure in the history of American show business, influencing generations of performers to come.