Frank Sinatra Turns 100
by amy
Saturday, December 12, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ol’ Blue Eyes -- The Chairman of the Board -- The Voice: Frank Sinatra. One of the greatest musical artists of his generation, Sinatra was the definitive stylist of mid 20th-century vocal music. He went from the romantic crooner to big band and swing and he’s unequivocally the performance artist of the 20th century. His closest analog is Elvis Presley, but take a look at any of their films and decide for yourself who had the better film career. And as for song, it's generally conceded that Sinatra is the definitive interpreter of the Great American Songbook.
Coming to his vocal stylings through jazz and swing -- he credits such greats as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald as inspiration -- Sinatra’s early interpretive hallmark was to slow the tempo down enough to bring a vulnerable quality to his ballads that had a powerful effect on his listeners.
In the late 1940s Sinatra suffered image problems, in part from from his torrid relationship with actress Ava Gardner, and was dropped by his agent and label. But in 1953 he roared back to fame with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his sensitive portrayal of Angelo Maggio in From Here To Eternity, followed by a decade of other successful films.
But best of all is the swinging Sinatra of the 1950s and 1960s; in particular his brilliant collaboration with orchestra leader Nelson Riddle, when he’s in complete control of song choice, tempo, and interpretation. If there's a single Sinatra album that encapsulates his life and career, try his homage to Gardner, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning. Heartbreak has never sounded so good.
Not convinced? Check out Why Sinatra Matters.
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