dipity

How the seminal narrative nonfiction piece by Gay Talese might have been done if some 2011 technology were available in 1966.

Created by danfriedell on Aug 10, 2011

Last updated: 08/10/11 at 10:50 PM

• Postscript
  Apr 7, 1966

  In this version of the story, however, Talese catches up with Sinatra at his favorite New York hang and strikes up a conversation on a bitter cold winter night. The story, with comments from the protagonist, is only improved.

• Esquire publishes story
  Apr 6, 1966

  "Frank Sinatra Has a Cold" appears in Esquire. Talese seen as innovator in narrative journalism. Gay Talese Q&A from D-Crit on Vimeo.
  http://www.esquire.com/features/ESQ1003-OCT_SINATRA_rev_

• Twitter conversation kicks off
  Jan 7, 1966

  In a fashion similar to what happened with Wired writer Evan Ratliff's quest to disappear, and reward the social media user who found him, Talese follows up leads from waiters, cab drivers and casino guests from LA to Las Vegas to follow Sinatra's trail.
  http://www.wired.com/vanish/2009/11/ff_vanish2/

• Talese's followers tweet back
  Jan 5, 1966

  @talese - just saw Frank at Tommy's on Beverly and Rampart. Line is moving, better hustle.

• Sample Tweet
  Jan 5, 1966

  Just arrived in LA, love the sun, but trying to locate old blue eyes, anyone have any tips? #huntforsinatra

• Talese Tweets
  Jan 4, 1966

  While he's an Old-School guy, Talese has heard something about Twitter. He has an account, (@talese) but so far has only been following the newsmakers of the day - The Johnson White House, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, @themichaelcaine and this starlet @mia_farrow - but not tweeting himself.

• Talese panics
  Jan 3, 1966

  When Talese realizes Sinatra will not grant him an interview, he panics, as all writers would. What happens when the key source blows you off?

• Talese arrives in Los Angeles
  Jan 1, 1966

  The writer arrives in Los Angeles from the east coast. Sun greets him, but Frank Sinatra has a cold and is unwilling to be interviewed. View Los Angeles, CA in a larger map
  http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212284866627429878862.0004aa21898e9fa7c6bc4&msa=0&ll=34.064606,-118.243103&spn=0.474396,1.056747

• Story Idea
  Sep 1, 1965

  Likely conversation between editors of Esquire and writer Gay Talese regarding profile of Frank Sinatra.
  http://www.randomhouse.com/kvpa/talese/

• Talese sees Sinatra at Jilly's lounge
  Jul 15, 1965

  Jilly's on W. 52nd St. in New York City was one of Sinatra's favorite East Coast hang-outs. Talese saw the singer there the summer before he tracked him down in Los Angeles for the Esquire story.
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jilly_Rizzo