Pat Sallarulo: Our Very Own Sinatra

Those who attended the opening night of the summer music series at Thrasher Park saw the theatrics of a "Sinatra and Friends." More than a few asked: Who is this guy?

Dr. Pat Sallarulo is successful chiropractor – who also happens to be an incredible Frank Sinatra tribute artist.

“A tribute artist that happens to love his music,” adds the Peachtree Corners resident from New York City, who has been singing for about 15 years. 

Music was always a part of Sallarulo’s life.   

“My dad was a singer and I use to be in awe when I watched him,” says Sallarulo with pride in his voice that still has a very slight “Noo Yawrk” accent.

“I had to work on my accent,” he laughs, as he recalls his decision to get serious about his singing career.

His voice coaches, Antonia Lawrence of Norcross and Jan Smith of Atlanta, saw the talent that expressed itself through Sallarulo’s smooth, Sinatra-like vibrato that could hold a floating note in the air like a feather until it reached its natural crescendo.  His voice seemed to be unlike anyone’s – accept, maybe, Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

Lawrence, world renowned gospel artist, as well as Vocal Director and Worship Leader at Victory World Church in Norcross, then helped Sallarulo “interpret” each Sinatra hit that he ultimately mastered.

“She’d make me write the song down in order to feel it and understand it and then be able to sing it,” he explains.  “That made me a better singer; able to sell the song.”

But the most difficult obstacle for Sallarulo to overcome – was the stage itself.

“That was the toughest thing for me,” he recalls.  “I always wanted to be on the sidelines and, so, it was really tough for me to get on stage and I remember my voice coach telling me, ‘It’s not that you want to be the center of attention, it’s that you want to give the gift of music to people.’”

In addition to his “Rat Pack” Las Vegas style tribute show, which features singer Lori O’Brien as Liza Minnelli and Marylyn Monroe, as well as singer Allan Willshire as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Tim Beasley as Dean Martin, Sallarulo works with a variety of “big band” style orchestras - often using the same Cole Porter arrangements made famous by Sinatra.

At home in Peachtree Corners, the “Chairman of the Board” is married – now 30 years – to Susan Sallarulo.  They have two grown daughters.

“And we listen to all types of music,” he says.  “Of course, my family knows all of the Sinatra songs.  The only thing we don’t listen to in the house is dirty rap.”

A real family man, Sallarulo has turned down jobs in Vegas because of his family and his “daytime” job.

“You know, my kids were so young - I didn’t want to do that,” say Sallarulo.  “But I think I’m going to seriously consider doing that now that my kids are in their 20’s.”

In the meantime, Sallarulo will be bringing a little Sinatra to the Peachtree Corners Festival this Saturday as one of the opening live performances featured during the day long festivities.