Frank Sinatra.
I first heard Frank Sinatra when my parents had me watch a small movie called 'When Harry Met Sally.' Little did I know, that this movie was going to completely change my life. Not only did it introduce me to Billy Crystal and all the wonderful roles he has done, but for the first time in my life, I heard a song that made me turn to my father and ask, "Who is this?"
But who was this man? What dark and magical place did this God among men come from? Evidently, where devils come from, New Jersey. Frank was born on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was an only child, and when born, was thought to be stillborn. But after putting him under a cold faucet, he burbled to life. This baby, not even 15 minutes old, was already showing the extraordinary resilience that would catapult him to fame and legend.
With humble beginnings, including an arrest in 1938, he caught his big break in 1943 when he signed with Columbia Records and started producing hit after hit. his film career also took off when he starred in From Here to Eternity, for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1953.
At this point, his reputation never faltered a bit. He didn't stop until he had his first heart attack in 1997, and stopped all public appearances. He died on May 14, 1998. According to his wife Barbara, his last words, after she had encouraged him to fight were, "I'm losing." His death caused a huge gapping hole in the hearts of many, that will not be easily filled. Sir Elton John was quoted with saying, "He was simply the best. No one even came close."
Yet he left behind a legacy of amazing music, films, and dedication to his craft that is not seen enough today in my opinion, and may never be seen again.
Sources:
1) Summers, Antony and Swan, Robbyn. Sinatra: The Life. Doubleday, 2005
2) Ingham, Chris. The Rough Guide to Frank Sinatra. Rough Guides Ltd. 30 Jun 2005
3) "Frank Sinatra". Hollywood.com. Retrieved May 15, 2008
Great clip. And a marvelous voice on a great tune. I worked with Sinatra only once--he was quite a performer.
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