The Anthony J. Franchini Papers date from 1915 to 1996 and contain the personal and professional papers of Anthony Franchini, a musician and composer. The collection contains newspaper clippings, personal correspondence, Franchini's United States Army records, sheet music, personal photographs, and a scrapbook compiled by Franchini.
Archival Collection
Additional information from donor: Regis Philbin hosting his TV show from The Rio in Las Vegas, with guest co-host Whoopi Goldberg. Making appearances in this show: Jennifer Lopez, musician Peter Frampton, Howie Mandel, Blue Man Group, and Iyanla Vanzant.
Archival Component
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Joan Massagli spent her childhood in the Tacoma, Washington area, singing three-part harmony—a member of a musically talented family that included five children and an aunt and uncle who raised all the kids to enjoy music. By high school in the early 1950s, she and her two older sisters were regulars on a local TV show. In 1956, the Sawyer Sisters act was formed and they were soon obtaining regular gigs in Las Vegas. Their popularity continued form 1957 to 1964 and they played many of the major hotels, usually as a warm up act for headliners that includes a list of names such as Roy Clark, Louis Prima, Shecky Greene, and Delia Reece. At first the Sawyer Sisters included older sister Nanette Susan and Joan. When Nanette quit to raise her family, youngest sister Kate stepped into what was called a "lively and lovely" trio. Joan met her future husband and musician Mark Tully Massagli, while performing in the early 1960s. Caring for ailing parents while working mostly in Las Vegas, the couple made Vegas home. Even after the Sawyer Sisters name faded from the Strip's marquees, Las Vegas remained home to the Massagli's, who raised their children here. Today they live in the Blue Diamond Village area and recall the changes that have occurred on the Las Vegas Strip—especially from an entertainer's point of view.
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