Francis Sinatra – voice of the twentieth century
Francis Sinatra was an American singer, actor and showman. In XX century, Sinatra became a legend not only the music world, but also every aspect of American culture. When he died, some journalists wrote: “Day of death of Frank Sinatra is the end of XX century.” By the end of his life he was regarded as a model of musical style and taste. During 50 years of active creative activity he recorded about 100 discs, performed all the most famous songs of the largest US composers – George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.
In addition to the musical triumph, Sinatra was also a successful film actor.
Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915 into a family of Italian immigrants in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was the only child of Martin and Natalie Sinatra. After his son’s birth, his father, Martin, participated in boxing fights to support his family. Since the beginning of the war Sinatra’s father worked as a fireman.
Since his childhood Francis wanted to become a singer. Rudy Vallee and his idol, Bing Crosby had a great influence on him.
He studied at Demarest High School.
In 1935 Sinatra began singing in a group called the Hoboken Four. Later Sinatra joined Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra. During that time he performed with the band in his first two movies—Las Vegas Nights (1941) and Ship Ahoy (1942).
In 1942 Sinatra began his solo career.
Between 1943 and 1946 he had 17 top singles, including his first Columbia recording.
In 1945 Sinatra had received a special Oscar for the short The House I Live In.
In 1954, he starred in the film From Here to Eternity. The role won him an Academy Award for best supporting actor. He starred in many more movies including Guys and Dolls (1955), Young At Heart (1955), The Tender Trap (1955), The Man With the Golden Arm (1955), High Society (1956), Tony Rome (1967) and Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964). In total he played in 60 films.
In 1957 Sinatra starred in the film Pal Joey. He was awarded the Golden Globe in the category Best Actor in a musical or comedy.
From 1953 to 1962 Sinatra recorded 17 albums.
In the early 1960s Sinatra formed his own record company, Reprise, the first major artistowned label in music history. In 1963 he sold the company to Warner Brothers.
In 1963 he was nominated for the Golden Globe in the category Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his role in the film Come Blow Your Horn.
In February 1995 he gave his last concert.
In 1997 he was awarded the highest award of the United States – the Congressional Gold Medal.
Sinatra died of a heart attack on May 14, 1998 in Los Angeles at the age of 82.
Sinatra was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his achievements and contribution to the field of music.
Personal life
In 1939 he married his longtime sweetheart, Nancy Barbato. They had three children. However, his affairs led to divorce.
He married actress Ava Gardner, but they divorced in 1957.
A brief marriage to 20-year-old actress Mia Farrow ended in divorce in 1968. She was 30 years his junior.
He was married for the fourth time, in 1976, to Barbara Blakely. Their marriage lasted until his death.
Interesting Facts
– He had won nine Grammy Awards.
– In his younger years he had the nickname Frankie and The Voice. In later years he was nicknamed Ol Blue Eyes and then – Chairman.
– Their company, known as Rat Pack, worked with John F. Kennedy during his presidential campaign in 1960.
– In 1979, he recorded one of the greatest compositions of the century – New York, New York. Sinatra became the only singer in history who managed to regain the popularity and love of the public after fifty years.
– New postage stamp with a portrait of Sinatra went on sale on May 13, 2008 in New York, Las Vegas and New Jersey. It was timed to mark the 10th anniversary of the great singer’s death.