The television special and subsequent album, Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back, represented a return to performing for Sinatra, who had retired in June 1971.[4] The special was seen by an estimated audience of 40 million.[5]
The special was sponsored by Magnavox as part of a $9 million advertising campaign for their 1974 products, with the special representing the largest single amount that the company had spent on advertising in its history.[5][6] Commercials during the special marketed Magnavox products, including Odyssey, the first video game console.[7]
The song "Can't Do That Anymore" had originally been written by Ebb for his abandoned musical with John Kander and Dale Wasserman, Wait for Me, World!.[8] Ebb found making the special a disheartening experience, and was upset by Sinatra's treatment of his employees and Kelly.[9] Ebb has said that Sinatra had originally wanted the comedian Redd Foxx to be his guest on the special, but Ebb, not knowing how to write for Foxx, had persuaded Sinatra to choose Kelly.[9] Sinatra had been unhappy with the decision to choose Kelly and nicknamed him "Shanty".[9] Ebb described Kelly as "humble and gracious".[9] Sinatra's changes to the script left the special with holes that remained unresolved due to Sinatra's refusal to read the script until the day of filming.[9] Ebb also said that Sinatra had not wanted to record the scenes with Kelly on the day, though he changed his mind when Kelly appeared for filming.[10]
