A look back at Frank Sinatra's incredible life
He was one of the best-selling artists of all time
Last updated 29th Jun 2020
One of the best selling artists of all time and most popular entertainers of the 20th century, singer and actor Frank Sinatra's charisma and musical ability meant he had a career which spanned over six decades. Read on for a look back at his incredible life.
Where was Frank Sinatra from?
Born to Sicilian immigrants in New Jersey in 1915, Frank Sinatra became inspired to pursue a musical career after watching and listening to performances by Bing Crosby and other big band jazz vocalists.
When did Frank Sinatra's career begin?
Starting his professional career with the Hoboken Four in the mid-1930s, Sinatra's career blossomed after he was picked up by trumpeter Harry James, after hearing Sinatra through radio performances. After a successful stint with Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra set his solo career in motion during the years of the Second World War.
Having had wide-ranging success in the mid-1940s, including a burgeoning acting career, his success slipped before he made a resurgence in the 1950s after landing a contract with Capitol Records, which led him to create jazzier releases.
How did Frank Sinatra become famous?
By the early 1960s, Sinatra split with Capitol and setup musical powerhouse Reprise Records. During this time, he became synonymous with Las Vegas, where he became one of the founding members of the Rat Pack and performed alongside Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin. In the later 1960s, he recorded the hit 1967 songs 'Somethin' Stupid' with his daughter Nancy Sinatra as well as his iconic song 'My Way' in 1969.
After a brief retirement, Sinatra returned to his musical career with several famous albums Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back in 1973 and then Duets in 1993, which was interspersed with politics and accusations of mob connections, among other controversies.
Consistently in the spotlight, Sinatra's wide-ranging show business career has left a mark on the entertainment industry, becoming one of the most iconic figures and voices in history.