Frank Sinatra
If you ask me, the best voices in history of music belong to women. In my case, definitely, Ella Fitzgerald's voice is at the top of the list. I also admire the voices of Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, to name a few.
But ladies, forgive me, today I'm not here to talk about you. Today, I want to give an honorable mention to one of the best voices in the world. A man with a voice so famous that many consider it the voice of the 20th century and one of the most influential in history.
Yes, you guessed it. I'm talking about the legendary "Chairman of the Board" Mr. Frank Sinatra.
I know what many of you may be thinking: "Really? Isn't he a bit overrated?" To those of you, I say: "Come on, give Frank a chance." Beyond the celebrity, beyond the scandals, there was a true artist. He was one of the few who managed to be a successful singer and film actor at the same time.
Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, on December 12, 1915. His parents were Italian immigrants and he grew up singing in the church choir. He left school at the age of 15 to pursue a career in music.
He started singing in bars and nightclubs and eventually landed a job with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. In 1943, he left Dorsey to go solo and signed with Capitol Records.
Sinatra's career took off in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He had a string of hit songs, including "New York, New York", "My Way", and "Fly Me to the Moon". He also starred in several successful films, including "From Here to Eternity" (1953), "Guys and Dolls" (1955), and "Ocean's Eleven" (1960).
Sinatra's career continued to be successful throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He continued to record hit songs and star in films. He also became a successful television host.
In the 1980s, Sinatra's career began to decline. He stopped recording new songs and his film career was winding down. However, he continued to perform live and he made several guest appearances on television.
Sinatra died of a heart attack on May 14, 1998. He was 82 years old.
Sinatra was one of the most popular and successful entertainers of the 20th century. He was a gifted singer and actor and he had a unique style that made him one of a kind. He was a true legend and his music will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
I know what you may think again: "Why should I care about this guy?". Well, it's up to you. But remember, Sinatra was a master of interpreting the Great American Songbook. He could take a song that had been sung by dozens of other singers and make it his own. He had a way of phrasing and interpreting a song that was unique and unforgettable.
And, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good crooner? Sinatra's voice was smooth and velvety, and he had a way of singing that was both intimate and seductive. He was the perfect singer to listen to on a rainy day or a romantic evening.
So, if you're not a fan of Frank Sinatra, I urge you to give him a chance. You might just be surprised by how much you enjoy his music.
Here are a few of my favorite Frank Sinatra songs:
- "New York, New York"
- "My Way"
- "Fly Me to the Moon"
- "The Way You Look Tonight"
- "Strangers in the Night"
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.