Ron Onesti: My friend Frankie

With the monstrous success of the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys," Frankie Valli cemented his name into pop culture forever. However, another Italian-American "Frankie" has steadily secured his own place in history by virtue of his own multifaceted career in show biz, and consistent presence touring the world.

This Frankie has also found a way to the hearts of us here in the Midwest over the years, even though he is an East coast kind of a guy. His name? Frankie Avalon.

Francis Avallone was born in Philly, the home of the legendary television show "American Bandstand" and hometown of a slew of other heartthrobs, such as Robert Ridarelli. Avallone and Ridarelli were destined for stardom, but at the time were coerced into "Americanizing" their names. Francis Avallone and Robert Ridarelli became Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell, and the rest is teen idol history. Fellow Philadelphian Dick Clark saw to it!

The "American Bandstand" host took Francis, who began his showbiz career as a 15-year-old trumpet player, and helped shape him into a superstar in the same vein as the king of all "Franks," Frank Sinatra.

My personal history of producing Italian festivals for more than 25 years includes many shows where Frankie Avalon headlined. I hired him so much because of his fabulous, family-friendly shows and his wonderful demeanor with his fans. From the moment he walks into the building, he has a friendly electricity about him. Really, few celebs who were at the peak of their success some 60 years ago looks as good as he does! But his most impressive talent? His ability to connect with his fans, touching them in a special way that brings them back to his teen idol days on the beach or on TV.

Avalon knows his fans really loved him back then, and still do. He hugs everybody Italian-style, as if he was meeting a cousin for the first time. And when he takes the stage, you would think he was on "American Bandstand" or "The Ed Sullivan Show" all over again, complete with screaming girls and thunderous applause. He sings his hits as well as those of several of his friends. It is a walk back in bobby-sox time - fun, upbeat and exciting!

He achieved great heights in his career after his first million-selling single, "Venus," hit No. 1. From there, the "Beach Blanket" movies he starred in with Annette Funicello propelled him into another galaxy of stardom.

I happened to be working with him on a show near April of 2013, the fateful month his beautiful co-star passed away, losing a 20-year battle with complications from multiple sclerosis.

He was absolutely devastated. "This is such a loss," he said. "She really was courageous, truly America's Sweetheart. She started her family right after the movies hit it big, so she was basically a homebody then. As I toured the world, the fans would always ask about Annette. When I told her how much the fans still loved her over the years, she found it hard to believe. She was so sincere and so warm. My heart was truly broken when we lost her."

I asked if he had kept in close contact with her over the years. "Ya know, as the years went on, it became more and more difficult to see her. I would call her often, but to see one of the most beautiful women in the world suffering like that was nearly impossible. But we stayed close, I called her often, and she knew I loved her and was always there for her. I am godfather to her daughter, Gina, and we are all like family," he said.

There was a time when we were at an outdoor festival and he performed as, of course, the headliner. It was raining much of the time, but we managed to get his show in. By the time he took the stage, audience members all looked as if they had walked through a car wash with their clothes on. Frankie saw this, and after the show, went into the audience and thanked each and every person who waited, spending well over an hour after the festival had closed with his soggy fans.

Last year (as it is this year), his concert at The Arcada happened to fall on my birthday. After his show, he walked off the stage and I thanked him and the audience, as I customarily do. To my surprise, he walked back on stage with one of my staff members who was wheeling out a birthday cake HE arranged for! And it gets better!

I was getting a recognition from Chicago's Italian-American community the next day at a luncheon. When he found out about it, he changed the flight plans for him and his and his band at his own expense, just so he could attend the luncheon and present me with the award. I was stunned! Now that is a TRUE friend!

One of the best things about his show is that two of his eight kids perform with him on stage, Frankie Jr. and Tony. It adds such a family aspect to the show, it really makes you feel part of HIS family!

All in all, my friendship with Frankie has been a true honor. His career has taken him down many paths, from teen idol to recording artist, from movie star to TV heartthrob, "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" guest star to coproducing "Grease" on Broadway, even Home Shopping Network star.

He's a "neighborhood" guy who never forgot his roots, nor his Italian-American upbringing. When it comes to being an American showbiz hero, Frankie Avalon's talent reaches to "Venus," and when it comes to being just a grounded, good-guy, his old-school warmth reaches beyond that.

• Ron Onesti is president and CEO of The Onesti Entertainment Corp. and The Historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. Celebrity questions and comments? Email ron@oshows.com.