Radio station claims Sinatra world premiere

A tiny Scottish community radio station was today expected to claim a world exclusive when it gives the first radio play to a Frank Sinatra record which is never expected to be released.

The song, an 11-minute version of Soliloquy from the musical Carousel, was recorded live on the singer’s 73rd birthday at a US club in 1988.

A fan living in the US, who attended the private concert where it was recorded, sent the recording to Rodney Collins, who works for Isles FM in Stornoway.

Radio presenter Mr Collins was set to play Sinatra’s version on the station’s Drivetime programme this afternoon.

The 52-year-old said: ‘‘This is quite a scoop for Isles FM and I am just delighted to have been sent this and to be able to play it here in Scotland.

‘‘It is unlikely that this will ever be released in the UK, or indeed elsewhere in the world, so that makes this even more special.’’

Mr Collins, a former press officer with BBC Radio, said the discovery was particularly exciting because of its ‘‘exceptionally good’’ quality.

He went on: ‘‘It is most unusual to get a recording of this outstanding quality. There is a lot of Sinatra material similar to this about but it is usually quite muffled.

‘‘This is exceptionally good quality and I am sure all the listeners who tune in to hear it will not be disappointed.’’

Mr Collins said he did not know what would happen to the song but said he hoped others around the world would get the chance to listen to it.

He added: ‘‘Just ahead of the party he was at, Sinatra asked one of his producers to suggest some different songs for him to sing. Someone told him to do Soliloquy.

‘‘It’s an 11-minute epic that would be difficult for a young man to sing. It really is an extraordinary performance.’’

Mr Collins has also previously produced Sinatra Hour programmes at London radio stations and is one of the founders of the original Atlantic 252, currently being changed into a sports talk station.

Isles FM can be heard by up to 20,000 listeners.