Frank Sinatra - Trilogy: Past, Present & Future (1980) – Complete set of 3 original USA Reel-to-Reel tapes (Reprise - Tape reels - 1980

In 1979 Frank Sinatra, at the age of 64 and after several years of relative inactivity in the studio, accepted the most ambitious challenge of his career: a triple album conceived as a true “recapitulation” of his artistic life. Long-time producer Sonny Burke envisioned Trilogy to celebrate the singer’s 40th anniversary in show business.


Each disc was entrusted to one of his great historical collaborators:

- The Past (Collectibles of the Early Years) – arranged and conducted by Billy May
- The Present (Some Very Good Years) – arranged and conducted by Don Costa (with a contribution from Nelson Riddle on “Something”)
- The Future (Reflections on the Future in Three Tenses) – composed, arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins

Recorded between July and December 1979 in Hollywood, New York and at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles (with a large orchestra and chorus), the album was released in March 1980 on Reprise. It reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200, earned a gold record and was nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year. It contains Sinatra’s last major hit, Theme from New York, New York, which became one of his most iconic songs.This 7" reel-to-reel magnetic tape version (3¾ ips, 4-track stereo, ¼") is the rare 1980 American Columbia House edition. The three tapes are housed in their original elegant black boxes featuring the stylized portrait of Sinatra in a white tuxedo on a black background, with the text “SINATRA TRILOGY” and “PAST / PRESENT / FUTURE”.


Contents of the lot
3 original USA 1980 reel-to-reel tapes
R11 7141 – Trilogy: The Past (Condition: Ex/Ex)
R12 7141 – Trilogy: The Present (Condition: Ex/Ex)
R13 7141 – Trilogy: The Future (Condition: Ex/Ex)

3 original black boxes with front graphics
Original labels on each reel with tracklist, credits and Reprise logo
Format: 7" Cine Reel, 3¾ ips, 4-track stereo, manufactured by Columbia House under license
Complete tracklistsThe Past (Billy May)


Tracklist
The Past
A1 The Song Is You 2:39
A2 But Not For Me 3:50
A3 I Had The Craziest Dream 3:13
A4 It Had To Be You 3:53
A5 Let's Face The Music And Dance 2:50
B1 Street Of Dreams 3:32
B2 My Shining Hour 3:21
B3 All Of You 1:42
B4 More Than You Know 3:22
B5 They All Laughed 2:49
The Present
C1 You And Me (We Wanted It All) 4:07
C2 Just The Way You Are 3:26
C3 Something
Arranged By – Nelson Riddle
4:42
C4 MacArthur Park 2:45
C5 Theme From New York, New York
Conductor – Vinnie Falcone
3:26
D1 Summer Me, Winter Me 4:02
D2 Song Sung Blue 2:47
D3 For The Good Times 4:41
D4 Love Me Tender 3:34
D5 That's What God Looks Like 2:55
The Future
E1 What Time Does The Next Miracle Leave? 10:44
E2 World War None! 4:27
E3 The Future 4:05
F1 The Future (Continued) "I've Been There" 3:33
F2 The Future (Conclusion) "Songs Without Words"
Alto Vocals, Solo Vocal – Beverly Jenkins
Soprano Vocals, Solo Vocal – Loulie Jean Norman
6:00
F3 Finale: Before The Music Ends 9:46


Condition:
The boxes show light use and typical signs of age for a 45-year-old item (minor scuffs on the edges and spine, some handling marks). The labels on the reels show yellowing, staining as is normal for tapes of this era. The magnetic tapes are present and wound.


Reel-to-reel versions of Trilogy are much rarer than the vinyl or cassette editions. They offer an analog listening experience of a project that remains unique in Sinatra’s discography: a mix of classic standards, contemporary hits and an ambitious (and controversial) experimental suite. A collectible piece for Sinatra enthusiasts, analog audio lovers and fans of American popular music history.