On this date in 1915, a great American musician was born. Frank Sinatra, a musical icon, would have turned 95 today if he were still alive. Sinatra, who grew up in Hoboken New Jersey, had a career that spanned from the mid 1940’s to 1998 when he passed away. Sinatra was a swing singer who popularized many of the standards we know today from old broadway shows (“Almost Like Being in Love”, “My Funny Valentine”, etc.). Sinatra also had a successful acting career. He appeared in the original version of “The Manchurian Candidate”, “Oceans Eleven”, as well as “From Here to Eternity” which lead him to an Academy Award for best supporting actor. His musical film credits include “Guys and Dolls” and “On the Town”. Although there were ups and downs Sinatra’s career was, overall, immensely successful and influential. He explored all mediums and created music that transcends generation gaps. Even today his music is still being sampled by artists. Hip hop artists from Notorious BIG to Sean Combs, who according to the New York Times considers himself he “black Sinatra” (I don’t see it), have taken his music and integrated it into their raps. Although he never wrote any songs of his own, his talent and versatility (and apparently exceptional diction) make Sinatra an amazing musical force even 10 plus years after his death.
“Straight Outta Hoboken”, The New York Times article about Sinatra’s influence on hip hop can be found here.
So, is there a good example of Sinatra’s influence among current popular music? Is it just a way of invoking a “prime” brand in an effort to legitimize something current? Frankly, (sorry), I think Sinatra is a bit over-rated as a musician. He is more important as a cultural phenomenon. There were dozens of better singers. Watch this and compare Ella and Frank. See especially what Ella does at around 3:12.