All Or Nothing At All

“Word was my word.” 
—Johnny Pizza

Without the co-proprietor of the cozy little Italian restaurant off Whitlock Avenue, near Marietta Square, a creative, beloved show business artistic collaboration might never have occurred.

“I introduced Seth McFarlane to Frank Sinatra Jr. years ago, beginning their relationship," said Hoboken Cafe maestro John Bruce “Johnny” Pizza (real name). 

Credit: Mr. Pizza and Verve Records

In the past few months, Family Guy creator McFarlane and voice of the main characters, has released his ninth studio album, Lush Life: The Lost Sinatra Arrangements featuring a dozen songs Frank Sinatra had planned to perform but never did.

It’s an extraordinary album, celebrating the brilliance of the immortal 20th century icon.

Credit: AP

“I met Seth at a party; we started talking," offered Mr. Pizza. "He had unsuccessfully reached out to the Sinatra family (Frank Jr., Tina, Nancy), to get Frank Jr. to appear as himself on Family Guy. No response."

The Hoboken native had the trust of Frank Jr. and those around the Sinatra team, culled by years as a “fixer” for the senior Sinatra entourage (limousines, security, cooking, crowd control, etc.).

Mr. Pizza was first introduced to the senior Sinatra as a teen, in New York City, by the legendary Sinatra pal, Jilly Rizzo.

Following the death of Frank Sinatra Sr. in 1998, Mr. Pizza spent eight years working for his son, as a chief of staff on tour, known respectfully, as a "fixer."

“McFarlane and Frank (Jr.) were able to meet and talk about the Family Guy project,” added Mr. Pizza while taking a break from the busy Cobb County lunch crowd. "The men in the band loved the idea; Frank (Jr.) was unfamiliar with the program but loved cartoons."

The connection between McFarlane and Sinatra Jr. grew. He appeared on two memorable episodes, an Italian restaurant fronted by Frank Jr. singing a wonderful theme with McFarlane in character.

McFarlane told People Magazine, “I got to know him somewhat well.” The connection led to the Sinatra album with the help of the family.

Johnny Pizza has a fingerprint in all this. His extraordinary life among the Sinatras and, seemingly, every celebrated showbiz giant of the 20th century, can be seen on his restaurant wall and in the stories of his connection sealed by Old World trust.

In the last few weeks, Mr. Pizza was the featured guest on the Sirius XM Sinatra Channel In Conversation segment with Sinatra archivist Charles Pignone.

On Whitlock Avenue in Cobb County, the Hoboken Cafe — named after his hometown and birthplace of Frank Sinatra — photos adorn the walls, a Smithsonian of 20th century pop culture: Liberace, Milton Berle, Cher, Sinatra, Lasorda, Liza, Joan Collins, Rickles, Manilow, Leno, etc.

Mr. Pizza’s family has called Marietta home for 35 years. His brother was lured to the area to train as a chiropractor at Life College.

On a Thursday afternoon inside the restaurant, conversations turn to his extraordinary life in New York and Las Vegas, among the rich and famous.

“I’ll always remember my birthday — Dec. 30, 1987," Pizza said. "After the shows (Riviera Hotel) in Christopher’s Restaurant, a big dinner at 2:30 a.m., George Burns, Steve and Eydie are there, lots of champagne flowing, Frank’s table is like the Last Supper, 40 or 50 people. Frank stands up and says he wants to wish a very good friend a happy birthday, and then, here comes Elizabeth Taylor with my cake on a cart.”

Caption

Johnny Pizza w/business partner Roger Diaz

Now that’s a story! And a great way to end, except Hoboken Cafe will be closed in celebration of Thanksgiving.