A Hoboken Story of Sinatra and the Man Who Knew Him

Hoboken, a city steeped in history and known for its vibrant culture, has another claim to fame: its connection to the legendary Frank Sinatra. While Sinatra's birthplace across the river might get all the glory, a new memoir by celebrity hairstylist Joseph Paris, Hairman of the Board, reveals fascinating ties between Ol' Blue Eyes and the Mile Square City.

Paris, who grew up in nearby Brooklyn, wasn't just Sinatra's hairstylist; he was a close confidant and member of the singer's exclusive inner circle. His book offers a unique glimpse into Sinatra's world, shedding light on his personality, his generosity, and his love for the good life – a life that often intersected with Hoboken.

Sinatra's Hoboken Haunts

While Sinatra's childhood home resides in Hoboken's "sister city" across the Hudson, his presence was certainly felt on this side of the river. Sinatra was known to frequent some of Hoboken's iconic establishments, including:

• The Clam Broth House: This legendary Hoboken institution, sadly now closed, was a favorite of Sinatra's. He was known to enjoy their famous clam chowder and seafood dishes. Imagine Sinatra, in his prime, rubbing shoulders with locals at this Hoboken landmark!
• Carlos Bakery: While the "Cake Boss" phenomenon came much later, this Hoboken bakery has been a staple for decades. It's not hard to imagine Sinatra, with his love for all things Italian, stopping by for a cannoli or a slice of their renowned cake.
• Maxwell's: This historic Hoboken music venue, which sadly closed its doors in 2013, hosted countless legendary musicians. While there's no documented evidence of Sinatra performing there, it's certainly possible he visited to catch a show or enjoy the vibrant Hoboken nightlife.

More Than Just a Haircut

Paris's memoir goes beyond Sinatra's Hoboken connections, offering an intimate portrait of the man behind the music. He describes Sinatra's generosity, often hidden from the public eye, and his genuine warmth towards those in his inner circle.

"I wanted people to know what a generous, kind human being Frank Sinatra was," Paris shares in his book. "He did charitable things and never wanted any publicity or promotion about it. It had to be anonymous. Always had to be anonymous."

Paris recounts stories of Sinatra quietly funding community projects and helping those in need, revealing a side of the singer rarely seen in the media.

A Hoboken Perspective

For Hoboken residents, Hairman of the Board offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Sinatra legacy. It's a chance to see their city through the eyes of someone who knew Sinatra intimately, someone who experienced his generosity and witnessed his legendary charm firsthand.

"Sinatra loved to laugh, and at nighttime, he became a nine-year-old," Paris recalls. This playful side of Sinatra, often overshadowed by his public persona, is brought to life in Paris's memoir.

A Must-Read for Sinatra Fans and Hobokenites Alike

Whether you're a die-hard Sinatra fan, a Hoboken history buff, or simply looking for a captivating read, Hairman of the Board is a must-read. It's a story of friendship, loyalty, and the enduring power of music, all set against the backdrop of a bygone era.

So, the next time you're strolling through Hoboken, imagine Sinatra walking those same streets, enjoying a clam chowder at the Clam Broth House, or perhaps indulging in a pastry at Carlos Bakery. And be sure to pick up a copy of Hairman of the Board to delve deeper into the fascinating connection between this Hoboken icon and the legendary Frank Sinatra.

The book has received many celebrity endorsements including the legendary Terrence Winters:

"Calling all Sinatra fans! Hairman of the Board isn't just another bio of everyone's favorite crooner, it's an intimate, poignant peek behind the curtain at a global superstar brought to us by an insider whose own story could be a movie itself! Joseph Paris has written a gem."

Terence Winter

Executive Producer / Writer

Boardwalk Empire / Sopranos / Wolf of Wall Street / Tulsa King

Get the book on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/41anhWp

Learn more about Joseph Paris on his website: https://hairmanoftheboard.com/