The popularity of Frank Sinatra as a musician is unparalleled. His rich baritone made him arguably the most popular American singer of the 20th century.

1. Frank Sinatra: The Most Popular Vocalist of The Swing
Era
If any artist encapsulates the spirit and passion of the big band and swing era, it is
none other than the numero uno vocalist, Frank Sinatra aka Francis Albert Sinatra.
He can be rightly called as one of the most popular musical artists of all times with
a whopping 150 million records sold to his credit. Born on December 12, 1915, in
Hoboken, New Jersey, the USA, this American singer and actor personified success,
musical talent, and a passion for music. And as far as the genre of popular music
goes, Frank Sinatra is hailed as the most popular American singer of the 20th
century. Phew! That is something to be marvelled at.

2. The Early Years
Born to Italian immigrants, Natalina Della and Saverio Antonino Martino Sinatra,
young Frank grew up in the gritty lanes and bylanes of Hoboken. The tough life
made him determined to make a mark in the area where his passion lay – music.
His choice of making music his career took shape in his mind when he heard the
recordings of Bing Crosby, the then noted actor and singer. Thereafter, he won a
talent competition on the radio program called Major Bowes’ Amateur Hour. His
journey into the musical firmament began in the swing era when big band radio
stations were a rage. In fact, he was picked up by trumpeter Harry James while he
was singing at the Rustic Cabin, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
The emergence of Sinatra as a singer
Frank Sinatra spread his wings as a vocalist in the band of Harry James and
recorded quite a few songs such as ‘From the bottom of my heart,’ ‘My buddy,’ and
‘Ciribiribin.’ These songs brought out his innate charm, powerful baritone, and
sensitivity to lyrics thus making him a darling of the teenagers especially the
bobbysoxers (read teenage girls.) In fact, one of his most popular songs ‘All or
nothing at all’ sold a million copies in 1943. His teaming up with arrangers Axel
Stordahl, Paul Weston, and Sy Oliver ratcheted up his singing skills especially in
ballads and up-tempo songs.
Going Solo!
Around 1942, Sinatra’s popularity as a member of a big band group knew no
bounds. However, he yearned for going solo. After protracted and somewhat bitter
negotiations with Dorsey, he began his career as a solo vocalist. His turning into a
solo singer was greeted by near hysteria by his fans (read the bobbysoxers.) His
popularity earned him a few sobriquets as well such as ‘Frankieboy,’ ‘The Sultan of
Swoon,’ and ‘The Voice.’ In 1944, he started recording songs for Columbia records
and in no time songs such as ‘If you are but a dream,’ ‘There’s no you,’ ‘I fall in
love too easily,’ and ‘Nancy’ climbed the charts and into the hearts of his fans.
The Actor

3. He was a part of the tinsel town as well and appeared in a number of films such as
Anchors Aweigh, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, On the Town, From Here to
Eternity, Suddenly, Young at Heart, The Man with the Golden Arm, and the
eponymous The Manchurian Candidate.
His chequered career both as a singer and actor saw both highs and lows. However,
it was his indefatigable passion for music that made him carve a niche for himself in
the all time musical hall of fame. If his voice shone through the big band radio ,
his acting on celluloid brought out his versatility as well.
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popular-vocalist-of-the-swing-era
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