Frank Sinatra, known by many of his fans as “The Voice,” was one of the most famous musicians of the 20th century and a huge influence on many artists who came after him. This biography will help you learn more about the man behind the legend.
Humble Beginnings
Born in New Jersey, Sinatra had a modest start and needed to become exceptionally good at his craft to make a name for himself. He was undoubtedly highly talented, but without his resilience and charisma, he would never have become a sensation.
The child who would become the great Frank Sinatra grew up in a working-class Italian American family with Sicilian roots. He found his passion for music early on, and like other artists, he didn’t have a very successful formal education. He dropped out of high school to pursue his dream.
Sinatra’s Rise to Fame
Having extensive experience with the music produced at the time and the vibrant jazz scene of the 1930s, Sinatra quickly found his unique voice, characterized by emotional depth and smoothness. But success didn’t come right away.
The young Frank Sinatra’s first big opportunity appeared in 1935 when he joined the Harry James Orchestra as their lead vocalist. This made his talent known to a large audience, and soon, he received an even better offer from the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, where he thrived.
Among the numerous hits produced during that period, “All or Nothing at All” and “I’ll Never Smile Again” are some of the best.
At 25, Frank Sinatra was a star and his career was in full swing. He was recognized as a great lead vocalist and started to gain prominence as a solo artist. His magnetic stage presence allowed him to create a unique artistic experience for many nationwide audiences.
Hits like “My Way”, “Strangers in the Night”, and “Fly Me to the Moon” were on everyone’s minds and lips. During the 1940s, Sinatra became the cultural icon of a generation, and he soon started to diversify. From his main passion, music, he expanded his influence to the film industry, obtaining an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “From Here to Eternity.”
He also played in “The Man with the Golden Arm,” lending his unique voice to the story. In a matter of years, Frank Sinatra was one of the most sought-after artists not just in the music industry but also in the film industry.
Personal Life
Because of all the success he experienced in his twenties, thirties, and forties, Frank Sinatra had a complicated personal life characterized by tumultuous relationships and numerous controversies.
He was married four times and had at least six other relationships. In total, he only had three children. Needless to say, the tabloids were constantly obsessed with him. Because of his association with some of the notorious figures of his time, they speculated about his involvement in illegal activities.
Sinatra didn’t care much about the rumors spreading about him and lived unapologetically, refusing to conform to other people’s expectations. On the other hand, he used some of his power for good. He championed civil rights and racial equality, performing at concerts that benefited these social causes.
Frank Sinatra was friends with Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, two of the most important figures in 20th-century America. These connections solidified his public image as an ambassador for positive social change.
Not many people know that Frank Sinatra, among other things, was interested in casinos and Blackjack. It is said that because of his ability to attract huge crowds, his losses were often written off.
Once, he allegedly intimidated a card dealer into changing the rules and breaking the law, which resulted in the casino being fined $250.000.
Sinatra’s legend grew more and more as he got older. Many artists stay in the spotlight for a few years or a decade at best. But in his case, we’re talking about 60 years, spanning several generations. Even today, if you ask young people to name a famous musician from the 20th century, many will pick him more than 25 years after his death.
