Dear Editor:
Frank Sinatra was a man of his own destiny. It was through his own determination, conviction, and dedication he reached the pinnacle of success in the entertainment world. He was dubbed the “Chairman of the Board,” and “Ol’ Blue Eyes” by his peers.
Thus, Frank Sinatra, throughout his lifetime, remained resolute in each of his achievements in the following; a premier vocalist with the Tommy Dorsey Band and the Harry James Band, a recording star, acting, singing and dancing in the movies, renowned nightclub singer in the states, and concert venues throughout the world. He dreamed the unimaginable and impossible dream, standing up proudly in the face of adversity during his life. He was recognized as one of the best in his profession on stage, as a performer, entertainer and a showman of the highest caliber.
Frank was born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, to two Italian immigrants. As a youth, he had a penchant and a talent for singing just about any place and anytime for the public. A devoted mother obliged, and he took singing lessons. He was born to sing, it was an innate obsession.
His singing appearances at the Paramount Theatre, New York City, attracted a new generation of admirers called “bobby-soxers,” young girls between 13 to 18, who flocked incessantly to see his new sensational crooner. Drawing record crowds, his popularity as a singer and performer took off overnight, like a rocket to the moon.
Hollywood beckoned and he was teamed with popular leading male and female musical stars, dancing and singing. He enjoyed perennial years of success from the early 1940’s to the 1950’s making award winning records and movies.
In the early 1950’s Sinatra’s popularity and career dwindled to a sudden halt in Hollywood and in the recording studios. However, in 1954 after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting actor in his portrayal of Maggio in “From Here to Eternity,” he made a remarkable comeback to once again attain stardom.
In 1957-1960, he starred on television in weekly programs and then in a series of specials. He had continued success in the movies, recorded old and new songs, and performed at concert tours throughout the 1980’s.
Frank Sinatra was a master of portrayal of a song. He could sing a song with sentiment, emotion, happiness or sadness and his interpretation of the lyrics and the melody was phenomenal. Another attribute to his singing was pronunciation and elocution and clarity of lyrics, added to his enviable recognition of his singing.
He won two prestigious awards during his professional career, the Academy Award and the Grammy Award. With distinction, he recorded over 1,600 songs and acted in over 50 movies. After 60 years in show business, he left a legacy and became a legend and was awarded as Top Performer in the 20th Century by the entertainment industry. Frank Sinatra did fulfill his unimaginable and impossible dream in song entitled “My Way.” He certainly did it, “My way.”
Last December 12th, the entertainment world (radio, television and media) commemorated the 100th anniversary of his birthday with pomp and decorum.
Sam Maffei