Why Is Frank Sinatra Important

Frank Sinatra made “more than 1,400 recordings...during more than 50 years as a performer”(Frank Sinatra American). Through the highs and lows of his singing career, he earned the praise of being one of the greatest American singers in the 20th century. Sinatra was notorious for his fluctuating moods and stubbornness. He made a name for himself in more ways than just singing. From the ‘Hoboken Four’ to a solo career, Frank carved his way to stardom. He sang through his late seventies, even when his style of music was regarded as old-fashioned. Francis Albert Sinatra became a stellar singer through his baritone voice, skill in improvising music, and his use of lyrics to convey sincere emotion. It all started in Hoboken, New Jersey, where dropping

He was born into a Sicilian family on December 12, 1915 to Martin and Natalie (affectionately known as “Dolly”) Sinatra. His father was no one of large noteworthiness, and he changed careers several times, but Frank said, “I got my hot, Sicilian temper and temperament from my dad” (Wilson). His mother was well loved by many and involved in local politics. The style of music during the early 1900s produced “Rudy Vallee and [Sinatra’s] idol, Bing Crosby” which were some of Sinatra’s biggest inspirations (Francis). Sinatra always knew he wanted to pursue a singing career, and eventually dropped out of high school to sing wherever he was able to. He joined the ‘Hoboken Four’, a local group named after his hometown, and they won a competition in 1935. Frank followed his dream and together they traveled across the United States, but everyone except for Sinatra lost their passion and quit. Later, as he continued to sing anywhere and everywhere, he was recruited by Harry James and became a part of his band. It was during those times that his career took off. Frank’s passion never ceased, even during his transition into becoming an

He cut ties with Harry’s band to join another band leader, Tommy Dorsey. Frank pushed himself to be as good as the trombone player, and eventually, the band was catering to Sinatra’s own skills (Frank Sinatra American). However, Sinatra did not believe he was meant for group performances, and he eventually left to be a solo artist in 1942. Sinatra’s career blew up, and his ‘bobby-soxers’ grew in numbers and obsession for the “Croon Prince of Swing” (Francis Albert). Frank Sinatra had great influence over the World War II Era. He escaped the draft, and used his fame to support “Franklin D. Roosevelt and liberal viewpoints, including racial and religious tolerance” (Francis Albert). Eventually, though, he stirred up notoriety. His multiple affairs and potential connections soured the public’s view of him, but he continued to stay on top of the charts by being both a musician and actor. During one of his peaks in fame, his inspirations turned into real-life friends. The changes in Sinatra’s career, both for better and worse, brought him into a period of enlightenment that would carry on throughout his later