
Frank Sinatra, the iconic singer and actor, had a career spanning over six decades and was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He was known for his smooth voice, charming personality, and impeccable style. Despite his massive success, there are many interesting facts about Sinatra that are lesser-known.
Despite being considered one of the greatest singers of all time, Frank Sinatra was known for his self-critical nature and had a deep disdain for his own voice. He reportedly would obsess over minor imperfections in his performances and often demanded multiple takes in the recording studio. In an interview with Walter Cronkite, he once famously stated, “I don’t like my voice. I don’t know anybody who does. Maybe my first wife. She’s the only one.”
Sinatra’s own criticism of his voice was often unfounded, as he was widely regarded as having a smooth, powerful, and effortlessly cool singing style. He had an uncanny ability to express emotion through his singing, whether he was delivering a romantic ballad or swinging to an upbeat tune.
In addition to his self-criticism, Sinatra was also known for his perfectionism in the studio. He demanded a high level of excellence from his musicians and often pushed them to their limits to achieve the sound he was looking for. This dedication to his craft paid off, as he went on to win numerous awards and accolades for his work in music.
Here are 20 Sinatra facts that might surprise you:
- Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 12, 1915.
- He weighed a whopping 13.5 pounds at birth.
- Sinatra dropped out of high school to pursue his music career.
- He got his big break in 1935, when he joined the Harry James band.
- Sinatra’s first solo hit was “All or Nothing at All,” which was recorded in 1939.
- His nickname, “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” was given to him by a disc jockey.
- Sinatra was known for his love of Jack Daniel’s whiskey.
- He was married four times, to Nancy Barbato, Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow, and Barbara Marx.
- Sinatra had three children: Nancy, Frank Jr., and Tina.
- He was known for his philanthropy and raised millions of dollars for charity throughout his life.
- Sinatra was a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and refused to perform at segregated venues.
- He was a lifelong Democrat and campaigned for several political candidates, including John F. Kennedy.
- Sinatra was a huge fan of the New York Yankees and often attended games.
- He was an accomplished actor and won an Academy Award for his role in “From Here to Eternity.”
- Sinatra was good friends with the Kennedy family and was devastated by the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy.
- He was also close with fellow Rat Pack members Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.
- Sinatra was a perfectionist when it came to his music, and would often do dozens of takes in the recording studio to get a song just right.
- He was once sued by a woman who claimed he had promised to marry her, but the case was dismissed.
- Sinatra was a big fan of comic books and would often read them on set during breaks in filming.
- He passed away on May 14, 1998, at the age of 82.
Although Frank Sinatra achieved great success in the music industry, his personal life was often marked by controversy. He was married four times and had a string of high-profile relationships, including a rumored affair with Marilyn Monroe. Sinatra was also known to have connections with organized crime and was once even suspected of being linked to the CIA.
Despite these scandals, Sinatra’s musical legacy has endured long after his death in 1998. He has been widely regarded as a major influence on numerous artists in the music industry, and his music continues to be beloved by fans all over the world. Sinatra’s self-criticism and perfectionism may have caused him personal anguish, but they also contributed to his status as one of the greatest artists of all time.
Frank Sinatra was a true icon of his time, and his music and movies continue to inspire and entertain people all over the world. While his legacy will always be remembered, these lesser-known facts about him add an extra layer of intrigue to his already fascinating life.