Since, his death he has fallen out of the public’s eye, but decades ago you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing his voice. He left a humongous impact on the music industry. After dropping out of high school, having to work multiple jobs to support his struggling family, he pursued his dream to sing, even if it meant he’d be rejected by his family. Frank Sinatra is remembered as one of the greatest singers of all time, because he inspired many people to pursue their dreams, and he revolutionized the music industry.
Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on December 12, 1915 to Italian parents. He was a healthy, huge baby boy. According to Abbey, ¨Frank Sinatra was a big baby, 13 pounds to be exact¨ (1999). His birth left his mother unable to have anymore kids. His father, Martin, was a fireman, and his mother, Dolly, was a politician and midwife. The family was in the working class, so his parents spent a lot of time earning enough to make a living. Frank spent much of his childhood alone or with his grandmother. Sinatra attended school until his high school junior year. After dropping out of high school, Sinatra worked in his family’s bar. He already had some experience about working by helping his parents as a child. He attended a Bing Crosby concert, and from that point forward he had a love of music and he desired to be a singer. His parents despised the idea of him being a singer, but later grew to agree with Sinatra’s choice. He made a band with three other people called the “Hoboken Four”.
According to Abbey, “Frank Sinatra was one of the first teen idols,” (1999). Frank starred in multiple films during his first days as a teen idol. He appeared on “Higher and Higher”, “Anchors Aweigh”, and “The House I Live In”. During this time Sinatra was a supporter of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He helped with Roosevelt’s campaign by persuading his fans to vote for him. He earned many awards for his portrayals in films. He was invited to the White House to meet Roosevelt in person. During Sinatra’s first few years as a singer he had many high and low points. He had married Nancy Barbato, and had a daughter, also named Nancy. When the U.S. entered WW2 Sinatra was declared 4F because of a burst eardrum. He couldn’t serve in the military, but this didn’t hinder his ability to sing. His popularity continued to soar higher and higher. Sinatra was extremely famous that his popularity almost caused a riot.
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When Sinatra entered the “Big Band” era of music he was at the top of his game. He was a star on the rise. He worked with orchestras and composers like Harry James and Glenn Miller. Sinatra later went on to join Tommy Dorsey’s Big Band. He gained even more fame while he was with Dorsey’s Big Band. Dorsey helped Sinatra learn how to master his vocals, and embody the lyrics of whatever song he was singing. During Sinatra’s low point he lost his voice due to a throat hemorrhage. After that he went through a divorce with his wife, Nancy Barbato. The media kept the divorce in the public’s eye even after it had been finalized. Next he married Ava Gardner. Their marriage was an unhappy and volatile one. They divorced 11 months after they had married (not even a full year). After this Sinatra was fragile, but found his strength again. He was a completely different man now.
Sinatra had a comeback to popularity in the 1950s. He landed a role on the movie “Here to Eternity”. This led to his multiple songs being produced like: “Songs for Young Lovers” and “Swing Easy”. He was in the public’s eye for them to behold. “Sinatra experienced a rebirth of sorts in his musical career,” Abbey (1999). He went on to work with many composers such as Cole Porter and George Gershwin. The Frank Sinatra of this generation is the favorite of many fans. Even though he was not beloved by everyone of his fans. Sinatra, in his forties, still was a party animal. After 2 divorces it seemed, it seemed unlikely he would marry again. He was making about 4 million dollars annually for his vocals.
With his enormous income he helped establish Las Vegas as one of the most prominent gambling sites. He also built the Sands Hotel to bring even more revenue. He was remembered as one on the who helped Las Vegas modernize. He owned a penthouse at the Sands Hotel. Sinatra had joined Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford to form the “Rat Pack”. The members of the “Rat Pack” lived a partying lifestyle. When Peter Lawford married John F. Kennedy’s sister, which led to the “Rat Pack” getting involved in 1960 Presidential Candidacy. Frank helped to convince fans of his to vote for J.F.K. Frank helped to plan for John’s inaugural ball. The good times didn’t last for Sinatra and J.F.K.
Abbey, the writer of Biography Today, states that “Sinatra felt he had nothing more to offer the musical world, so he announced his retirement, ending his career at a concert in L.A.” Frank had a short-lived retirement from 1971 to 1973. He returned to music industry with a new album called “Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back”. Frank toured around for the next 2 decades. Filling arenas wherever he went. Every concert was a packed a house. He’d usually collaborate with old friends or former “Rat Pack” members. Frank got involved in politics once more helping Ronald Reagan win the 1980 election.
Again hosting the inaugural ball. Frank Sinatra left an impact on all of his fans. He left a greater impact after his death. His last concert was in February 1995. He died on May 14, 1998 due to heart attack. He was 82 years old at the time of his death. At his funeral, family, friends, fans, and fellow celebrities all lined up to say their final farewell to the beloved singer. Sinatra’s death was picked up by the media and was not put to rest until a few months later.
Many people felt conflicting emotions at the death of such a gifted musician who had been such a difficult, as Frank Rich writes here. “He has without question one of the greatest artists of any kind this country has produced” (Abbey,1999). Frank Sinatra left a ginormous imprint on all that heard his voice. He had a voice that could stop a baby’s cries with a single melody. His death affected all walks of life. It’s impossible to have success without taking risk like Sinatra with his parents.
