Until last year, he had a regular gig at a local bar, but he's had to give it up. He talks eagerly about the fact that Tom Hanks' production company, Playtone, has optioned his life story for the movies, and ruminates about the possibility of running for president. (''My term,'' he says, ''was interrupted.'') But the only booking currently on his schedule is the concert he's holding to celebrate his birthday (''It's March 20,'' he says. ''I'll be 67, if I make it''). He's reserved Gulfport, Fla.'s big dance hall, and many of his friends are planning to fly down for it. He's hired some of his favorite bands to perform, and, of course, he plans to sing plenty of his own songs. ''They'll just have to put me in a wheelchair and push me up to the piano,'' he says. ''I'll be all set. Just push me up to the piano. I can sing, and I can play.''

At the peak of Meader's fame, Frank Sinatra offered him a chance

[BOX]

At the peak of Meader's fame, Frank Sinatra offered him a chance to join the Rat Pack

''I didn't handle it all that well. I tended to play the big shot.''

''I thought it was beneath me to play the president. I wanted to play God.''

''I'd like to come out with something, just one song, and be a hit''

Originally posted Mar 28, 2003 Published in issue #702 Mar 28, 2003 Order article reprints
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