Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra aka Ol’ Blue Eyes or The Chairman of the Board, is one of the world’s most legendary performers to ever exist. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1915, amidst the turmoils of World War I, Sinatra would see enormously vast changes in America during his lifetime. During the Great Depression, both parents continued to work in order to provide for Frank’s socialite lifestyle. His first inkling of a desired career in music came after hearing Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday. In this modern age you can still download music from his extensive catalog.
Sinatra singing with Harry James
He would be discovered in his hometown by Harry James, and contracted to be the lead singer of his band for one year. It was 1939, Sinatra was 24 years old, when the first record, called From The Bottom of My Heart was released, as well as the following track All Or Nothing At All. Later in the year, Sinatra would switch bands to Tommy Dorsey, a popular band at the time. He would release forty songs that year and soon be known as ”The Voice” on radio shows like Your Hit Parade and Songs By Sinatra.
Being let out of his contract in 1942, Sinatra would debut as a solo act in Times Square’s Paramount Theater in New York City. Instantly he was cherished by younger girls, as his voice and good looks served him well. He can be attributed for a rise in popular music during the decade. This popularity would earn him an excuse from serving in World War II, something that was debated by fans and critics as to the authenticity of his pardon.
In 1946 Sinatra released his first studio album titled The Voice of Frank Sinatra. Aside from filming gigs with star Gene Kelly, Sinatra’s popularity started to wane. He was dropped by the labels Columbia and MCA in 1952. He focused on his successful acting career during his time away from music, until Capitol Records signed him a year later, where he would record 17 albums. These would include classics like Come Fly With Me, Only the Lonely, and Songs For Swingin’ Lovers!.
The classic tunes Theme From New York, New York and My Way were recorded under Frank’s own record company called Reprise. Being a man of class and status, Frank frowned upon the rock and roll movement of the 1960s and openly disliked it, even criticizing the extremely popular Elvis Presley. By 1971, the legend would announce he was ready to retire after 36 years in the business, but that would only last two years. He would continue performing and being active in all areas of show business and philanthropy up until a few years before his death in 1998.
According to Sinatra.com, Frank’s charitable actions raised over one billion dollars during his lifetime. Additionally, he would father three children, Frank Sinatra Jr., Tina, and Nancy. Frank Junior and Nancy would take advantage of their inherited musical abilities and also become singers.
The Rat Pack
Aside from his music career, Sinatra was adored on the big screen. Being part of the famous Rat Pack, he was chums with the biggest names in Hollywood of that time including Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford. The actresses within this circle included the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, and Angie Dickinson. He would star in over 50 films throughout his lifetime, including the well known classic Ocean’s Eleven.
Frank Sinatra with Eleanor Roosevelt
As many know, Sinatra was also very involved in politics, more specifically the Democratic Party, for most of his lifetime. He played a role in desegregation and sang for events held for Martin Luther King, Jr. He was even present during two Presidential Inauguration Galas. He truly was a jack of all trades, a man of honor and class, and a timeless gem in American history.
Here is a video of Frank Sinatra singing What Now My Love:
Tags: Frank Sinatra, Harry James, Ol' Blue Eyes, Songs by Sinatra, The Rat Pack, Tommy Dorsey