Frank Sinatra American actor, singer (crooner) and showman Date of Birth: 12.12.1915 Country: USA

Biography of Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra, an American actor, singer (crooner), and showman, was born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrant parents. His father worked at a shipyard and often participated in boxing matches to support the family. His mother was the chairwoman of the local Democratic Party branch and prioritized her social and political work over family life. Despite being a talented child, Sinatra did not receive formal education and was expelled from school in 1931 for his bad behavior.

From a young age, Sinatra had a passion for music and an interest in movies. His favorite actor was Edward G. Robinson, known for his roles in gangster films. In the early 1930s, Sinatra joined the Hoboken Musical Trio, initially working as a driver. He then became part of "The Hoboken Four," a group that won a talent competition on a radio show in 1935. This marked the beginning of his professional career.

In 1939, after returning from their first national tour, Sinatra married Nancy Barbato, a simple and modest girl. They had three children together: Nancy, Tina, and Frank Jr. Nancy Sinatra later became a popular singer and actress. Sinatra's career took off in 1941 when he signed a contract with trombonist Tommy Dorsey, who taught him everything about music as Sinatra had no musical education or knowledge of sheet music.

Sinatra's debut in the film "Las Vegas Nights" in 1941 had a significant impact on his career. The song "I'll Never Smile Again" from the film became a hit. Sinatra's earnings exceeded $50,000, and in 1943, he was named the Best Singer of the Year. He went on to star in films such as "Anchors Aweigh" (1945), "Till the Clouds Roll By" (1946), and "On the Town" (1949), solidifying his popularity through his performances on the big screen.

In 1946, Sinatra released his first album, "The Voice of Frank Sinatra," which was the first of over a hundred albums he would record. His velvety voice captivated women and became a cultural icon in America and worldwide. Sinatra became known for his romantic relationships in Hollywood, and his affair with actress Ava Gardner received the most attention. They met at the premiere of the film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and discovered they had much in common. However, their explosive personalities and love for wild activities, such as speeding on highways, led to a tumultuous relationship.

Sinatra often attracted press attention with his behavior, and he had strained relations with journalists. In Australia, he insulted journalists, resulting in a boycott that forced him to leave the country in disgrace. He also faced difficulties in the US, experiencing a series of failures in the late 1940s that left him almost jobless and led to the breakdown of his marriage with Nancy.

Everything changed in 1951 when Sinatra married Ava Gardner. Their careers immediately soared, and in 1954, Sinatra won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "From Here to Eternity" (1953). There were rumors that he received the award thanks to his connections with the mafia, with whom he was associated, but the truth remains unknown. However, it is true that Sinatra had friendships with some mobsters who invested in his career and received a share of his concert earnings. He was even rumored to have transported money and drugs in his luggage.

The 1950s marked the peak of Sinatra's popularity. He acted in movies, dazzled on stage, hosted shows and television programs, and had connections with the Kennedy family, making him one of America's most prominent figures. His hit song "High Hopes" dominated the national charts for 17 weeks, surpassing even the legendary Beatles. Despite numerous relationships with women, Sinatra often traveled to Europe to visit Ava, who was seriously ill in her last years. He fully covered her medical expenses until her death.

In 1971, Sinatra announced his retirement but returned to the stage three years later. In 1979, he recorded the masterpiece "New York, New York," becoming the only artist to regain popularity and the love of the public after fifty years. In 1976, Sinatra married Barbara Marx, and they remained together until his death.

On his last major concert in North Carolina, Sinatra struggled with memory loss, but his performance captivated the audience. Critics humorously noted that Sinatra was like the Colosseum, partially destroyed but still enchanting. Indeed, no other performer has remained popular for multiple generations.

Ironically, the journalists who despised Sinatra saw his death as a true tragedy. Some even wrote that his death on May 14, 1998, marked the end of the 20th century. In a way, they were right. The golden age of Hollywood, personified by the famous singer and actor, had come to an end.

Frank Sinatra was both loved and hated, but no one ever doubted the greatness of his talent. He was a true genius, a strong personality capable of great achievements. Sinatra always believed in his abilities and moved forward. His gravestone bears the words, "The Best is Yet to Come."