Sinatra, Frank (1915-1998), ranks among the most famous singers in the history of popular music. Nicknamed “The Voice,” Sinatra became well known for both his soulful ballad singing and his interpretations of rhythmic songs. He made his motion-picture debut in 1941 and appeared in more than 50 films. Sinatra won the 1953 Academy Award as best supporting actor for his work in From Here to Eternity.
Sinatra had a highly publicized and controversial private life. He was a friend of United States President John F. Kennedy and was accused of having business associates in organized crime. Sinatra was married four times.
Francis Albert Sinatra was born on Dec. 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He sang with local bands and won an amateur show prize in 1935 before joining trumpeter Harry James’s band in 1939. While touring with the band of trombonist Tommy Dorsey from 1940 to 1942, Sinatra gained great popularity with teenagers. He began his career as a solo singer in 1943.
Sinatra starred in the popular movie musicals Anchors Aweigh (1945) and On the Town (1949). His career then went into a decline until he regained his popularity with From Here to Eternity. He soon was a superstar with his films, television and nightclub appearances, and recordings, and he became one of the most powerful men in show business. He formed famous friendships with entertainers Dean Martin; Sammy Davis, Jr.; Joey Bishop; and Peter Lawford. They became known as the “Rat Pack.” Sinatra won praise for his dramatic roles in such films as The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) and The Manchurian Candidate (1962). He recorded a series of classic pop albums from 1955 to 1966. Sinatra died on May 14, 1998. Two of Sinatra’s children by his first wife, Nancy Barbato, had successful show business careers. Nancy Sinatra was a singer and actress. Frank Sinatra, Jr., was a singer and served as his father’s music director late in Sinatra’s career.
