Frank Sinatra

rank Sinatra, in full Francis Albert Sinatra, (born December 12, 1915, Hoboken, New Jersey, U.S.—died May 14, 1998, Los Angeles, California), American singer and motion-picture actor who, through a long career and a very public personal life, became one of the most sought-after performers in the entertainment industry; he is often hailed as the greatest American singer of 20th-century popular music.

Sinatra will probably always remain a subject of controversy, largely because of his association with crime figures and his often belligerent attitude toward press members. Of his artistry, however, there is little debate, and the more than 1,400 recordings he made during more than 50 years as a performer are regarded by many critics as the most important body of work in American popular vocal music. Almost single-handedly, Sinatra redefined singing as a means of personal expression. In the words of critic Gene Lees, “[Sinatra] learned how to make a sophisticated craft sound as natural as an intimate conversation or personal confession.” Beneath the myth and the swagger lay an instinctive musical genius and a consummate entertainer. Through his life and his art, he transcended the status of a mere icon to become one of the most recognizable symbols of American culture.