If any artist encapsulates the spirit and passion of the big band and swing era, it is none other than the numero uno vocalist, Frank Sinatra aka Francis Albert Sinatra. He can be rightly called as one of the most popular musical artists of all times with a whopping 150 million records sold to his credit. Born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, the USA, this American singer and actor personified success, musical talent, and a passion for music. And as far as the genre of popular music goes, Frank Sinatra is hailed as the most popular American singer of the 20th century. Phew! That is something to be marvelled at.
The Early Years
Born to Italian immigrants, Natalina Della and Saverio Antonino Martino Sinatra, young Frank grew up in the gritty lanes and bylanes of Hoboken. The tough life made him determined to make a mark in the area where his passion lay – music. His choice of making music his career took shape in his mind when he heard the recordings of Bing Crosby, the then noted actor and singer. Thereafter, he won a talent competition on the radio program called Major Bowes’ Amateur Hour. His journey into the musical firmament began in the swing era when big band radio stations were a rage. In fact, he was picked up by trumpeter Harry James while he was singing at the Rustic Cabin, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
The emergence of Sinatra as a Singer
Frank Sinatra spread his wings as a vocalist in the band of Harry James and recorded quite a few songs such as ‘From the bottom of my heart,’ ‘My buddy,’ and ‘Ciribiribin.’ These songs brought out his innate charm, powerful baritone, and sensitivity to lyrics thus making him a darling of the teenagers especially the bobbysoxers (read teenage girls.) In fact, one of his most popular songs ‘All or nothing at all’ sold a million copies in 1943. His teaming up with arrangers Axel Stordahl, Paul Weston, and Sy Oliver ratcheted up his singing skills especially in ballads and up-tempo songs.
Going Solo!
Around 1942, Sinatra’s popularity as a member of a big band group knew no bounds. However, he yearned for going solo. After protracted and somewhat bitter negotiations with Dorsey, he began his career as a solo vocalist. His turning into a solo singer was greeted by near hysteria by his fans (read the bobbysoxers.) His popularity earned him a few sobriquets as well such as ‘Frankieboy,’ ‘The Sultan of Swoon,’ and ‘The Voice.’ In 1944, he started recording songs for Columbia records and in no time songs such as ‘If you are but a dream,’ ‘There’s no you,’ ‘I fall in love too easily,’ and ‘Nancy’ climbed the charts and into the hearts of his fans.
The Actor
He was a part of the tinsel town as well and appeared in a number of films such as Anchors Aweigh, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, On the Town, From Here to Eternity, Suddenly, Young at Heart, The Man with the Golden Arm, and the eponymous The Manchurian Candidate.
His chequered career both as a singer and actor saw both highs and lows. However, it was his indefatigable passion for music that made him carve a niche for himself in the all time musical hall of fame. If his voice shone through the big band radio, his acting on celluloid brought out his versatility as well.