Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Frank Sinatra
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Frank Sinatra made an impact.
Frank Sinatra, nicknamed "Chairman of the Board" and "Ol' Blue Eyes", was a highly popular and influential American singer and actor of the 20th century. He is considered one of the best-selling music artists globally, with estimated record sales of 150 million. Sinatra's impact on music and entertainment remains significant.
1941: Film Debut in 'Las Vegas Nights'
In 1941, Frank Sinatra made his film debut performing in an uncredited sequence in 'Las Vegas Nights', singing "I'll Never Smile Again" with Tommy Dorsey's Pied Pipers.
1942: Partnership with Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne
From 1942 until 1954, Frank Sinatra recorded 24 songs composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Sammy Cahn.
1943: Cameo Role in 'Reveille with Beverly'
In 1943, Frank Sinatra had a cameo role in 'Reveille with Beverly', singing "Night and Day".
1944: Campaigning for the Democrats
After meeting President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, Frank Sinatra heavily campaigned for the Democrats in the 1944 presidential election.
1944: Leading Roles in 'Higher and Higher' and 'Step Lively'
In 1944, Frank Sinatra was given leading roles in 'Higher and Higher' and 'Step Lively' for RKO.
November 1945: Involvement in Froebel High School strike
In November 1945, Frank Sinatra was invited to Gary, Indiana, to try to settle a strike at Froebel High School regarding racial policies, leading to accusations of being a communist.
1945: Starring Role in 'Anchors Aweigh'
In 1945, Frank Sinatra starred opposite Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson in the musical 'Anchors Aweigh', playing a sailor on leave in Hollywood. The song "I Fall in Love Too Easily", sung by Sinatra in the film, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
1946: Appearance in 'Till the Clouds Roll By'
In 1946, Frank Sinatra briefly appeared in 'Till the Clouds Roll By', singing "Ol' Man River".
1948: Campaigning for Harry S. Truman
In 1948, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for President Harry S. Truman.
1949: Starring in 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' and 'On the Town'
In 1949, Frank Sinatra co-starred with Gene Kelly in 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' and 'On the Town', playing baseball players and a sailor on leave in New York City, respectively.
1951: Appearance in 'Double Dynamite'
In 1951, Frank Sinatra appeared in 'Double Dynamite', an RKO comedy produced by Howard Hughes.
1952: Appearance in 'Meet Danny Wilson'
In 1952, Frank Sinatra appeared in 'Meet Danny Wilson'.
1952: Campaigning for Adlai Stevenson
In 1952, Frank Sinatra campaigned for Adlai Stevenson.
1954: Jimmy Van Heusen Succeeds Jule Styne
In 1954, Jimmy Van Heusen succeeded Jule Styne as Frank Sinatra's main composer.
June 1955: Support for Lee J. Cobb after heart attack
In June 1955, after Lee J. Cobb suffered a heart attack, Frank Sinatra provided him with gifts, paid his hospital bills, and offered encouragement during his recovery.
1956: Campaigning for Adlai Stevenson
In 1956, Frank Sinatra campaigned for Adlai Stevenson.
1958: Release of Come Fly with Me and Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely
In 1958, Frank Sinatra released "Come Fly with Me", a concept album with Billy May, which topped the Billboard chart and was nominated for a Grammy. On May 29, he recorded seven songs in one session. In September 1958, he also released "Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely", a collection of saloon songs and ballads that was commercially successful and remained on the Billboard chart for 120 weeks.
May 1959: Sinatra Writes Article for Inter-Racial Friendship
In May 1959, Frank Sinatra wrote an article titled "You Can't Hate and be Happy" for "What the Stars Say", a publication by the Stars Campaign for Inter-Racial Friendship, following the murder of Kelso Cochrane in London.
September 19, 1959: Sinatra Hosts Luncheon for Nikita Khrushchev
On September 19, 1959, Frank Sinatra was asked by 20th Century Fox to be the master of ceremonies at a luncheon attended by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev.
1959: Release of Come Dance with Me!
In 1959, Frank Sinatra released "Come Dance with Me!", a critically acclaimed album that remained on Billboard's Pop album chart for 140 weeks and won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
October 1960: Release of Nice 'n' Easy
In October 1960, Frank Sinatra's album "Nice 'n' Easy", a collection of ballads, topped the Billboard chart and remained there for 86 weeks, receiving critical acclaim.
1960: Purchase of share in Cal Neva Lodge & Casino
In 1960, Frank Sinatra bought a share in the Cal Neva Lodge & Casino at Lake Tahoe and built the Celebrity Room theater.
January 1961: Organization of Inaugural Gala for John F. Kennedy
In January 1961, Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford organized the Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C., for President John F. Kennedy.
January 27, 1961: Benefit show for Martin Luther King Jr.
On January 27, 1961, Frank Sinatra played a benefit show at Carnegie Hall for Martin Luther King Jr.
February 1961: Release of Ring-a-Ding-Ding! and Other Reprise Albums
In February 1961, Frank Sinatra's label, Reprise Records, released his album "Ring-a-Ding-Ding!", which was a major success, along with albums by Ben Webster, Sammy Davis Jr., Mavis River, and Joe E. Lewis.
1961: Performances for Mexican Charities
In 1961, Frank Sinatra traveled to Mexico to perform for Mexican charities.
1962: Reportedly held 50-percent share in Cal Neva Lodge & Casino
By 1962, Frank Sinatra reportedly held a 50-percent share in the Cal Neva Lodge & Casino.
1962: Collaboration with Count Basie
In 1962, Frank Sinatra collaborated with Count Basie for the successful album "Sinatra-Basie".
1962: Concerts in Israel
In 1962, Frank Sinatra gave a series of concerts in Israel.
1962: Release of Sinatra and Strings
In 1962, Frank Sinatra released "Sinatra and Strings", a critically acclaimed album of standard ballads arranged by Don Costa.
1962: Performances for Mexican Charities
In 1962, Frank Sinatra traveled to Mexico to perform for Mexican charities.
1963: Release of The Concert Sinatra
In 1963, Frank Sinatra reunited with Nelson Riddle for "The Concert Sinatra", an album featuring a 73-piece symphony orchestra. The recording employed multiple synchronized recording machines using an optical signal onto 35 mm film for movie soundtracks.
1963: Suspension of gambling license and relinquishing of casino shares
In 1963, Frank Sinatra's gambling license was temporarily suspended after Giancana was spotted at the Cal Neva Lodge & Casino, leading him to give up his shares in Cal Neva and the Sands.
July 1964: Dedication of the Frank Sinatra International Youth Center
In July 1964, Frank Sinatra attended the dedication of the Frank Sinatra International Youth Center for Arab and Jewish children in Nazareth.
June 1965: Benefit Concert for Dismas House
In June 1965, Frank Sinatra, along with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, performed live in St. Louis to benefit Dismas House, a prisoner rehabilitation and training center.
September 1965: Release of September of My Years and The Frank Sinatra Spectacular
In September 1965, Frank Sinatra released the album "September of My Years", which won the Grammy Award for best album of the year. Also the Rat Pack concert, called The Frank Sinatra Spectacular, was broadcast live via satellite to numerous movie theaters across America
1965: Appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival
In 1965, Frank Sinatra and Count Basie performed together at the Newport Jazz Festival.
February 1966: Recording Sinatra at the Sands
In February 1966, Frank Sinatra's first live album, "Sinatra at the Sands", was recorded at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, backed by the Count Basie Orchestra and conducted by Quincy Jones.
1966: Donation to Youth Center in Jerusalem
In 1966, Frank Sinatra donated his $50,000 fee for appearing in a cameo role in "Cast a Giant Shadow" to the Youth Center in Jerusalem.
February 8, 1967: Teamsters Charity Concert
On February 8, 1967, Frank Sinatra performed at a Teamsters annual charity concert in St. Louis, Missouri, to benefit the Dismas Clark Half-Way House, featuring the Rat Pack with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.
1967: Recording Sessions with Antônio Carlos Jobim and Release of Francis Albert Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim
In 1967, Frank Sinatra started the year with recording sessions with Antônio Carlos Jobim and released "Francis Albert Sinatra & Antônio Carlos Jobim", which was a best-selling album and Grammy nominated.
1968: Recording of My Way
In 1968, Frank Sinatra recorded "My Way", written by Paul Anka using the melody of the French "Comme d'habitude", in one take.
1968: Working with Hubert H. Humphrey
In 1968, Frank Sinatra worked with Hubert H. Humphrey and remained a supporter of the Democratic Party.
April 1969: My Way Charts in the UK
In April 1969, "My Way" entered the UK charts, beginning a long run of 122 weeks.
1969: Recordings of Contemporary Songs
In 1969, Frank Sinatra recorded songs by Paul Simon ("Mrs. Robinson"), the Beatles ("Yesterday"), and Joni Mitchell ("Both Sides, Now") to maintain commercial viability.
November 2, 1970: Last Songs Recorded Before Retirement
On November 2, 1970, Frank Sinatra recorded his last songs for Reprise Records before announcing his retirement the following June.
1970: Release of Watertown
In 1970, Frank Sinatra released "Watertown", a critically acclaimed concept album, though it was not commercially successful.
1970: Endorsement of Ronald Reagan
In 1970, although still a registered Democrat, Frank Sinatra endorsed Republican Ronald Reagan for a second term as Governor of California.
September 1971: My Way Ends Chart Run in UK
In September 1971, "My Way" ended its chart run in the UK after 122 weeks.
1971: Sinatra & Company Album and appreciation for Alec Wilder's compositions
In 1971, Critic Gene Lees expressed amazement when he heard Sinatra's recording of "This Happy Madness" on Sinatra & Company, considering him to have delivered the lyrics to perfection. By the mid-1940s, Sinatra was the conductor at Columbia Records for six of Wilder's compositions.
1971: Sinatra & Company Album
In 1971, Frank Sinatra recorded John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and "My Sweet Lady" for the Sinatra & Company album.
July 1972: Support for Richard Nixon
In July 1972, Frank Sinatra officially changed his political allegiance and supported Richard Nixon in the 1972 presidential election.
November 1, 1972: Raised money for Israel and received Medallion of Valor
On November 1, 1972, Frank Sinatra raised $6.5 million in bond pledges for Israel and was given the Medallion of Valor for his efforts.
1973: Comeback with Television Special and Album
In 1973, Frank Sinatra came out of retirement with a television special, "Magnavox Presents Frank Sinatra", and released the album "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back", both of which were successful.
October 1974: Madison Square Garden Concert
In October 1974, Frank Sinatra performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which was televised and later released as the album "The Main Event – Live", backed by Woody Herman and the Young Thundering Herd.
1975: Concerts with Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and John Denver
In 1975, Frank Sinatra performed concerts in New York with Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald, and at the London Palladium with Basie and Sarah Vaughan, and in Tehran at Aryamehr Stadium. He gave 140 performances in 105 days. In August 1975, he held several concerts at Lake Tahoe with John Denver.
1976: Reunion of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and Awards
During Labor Day weekend in 1976, Frank Sinatra reunited Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis at the "Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon". In 1976, The Friars Club selected Sinatra as the "Top Box Office Name of the Century", and he received the Scopus Award from the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Nevada.
January 1977: Death of Dolly Sinatra and Royal Albert Hall Performance
In January 1977, Frank Sinatra's mother, Dolly, died in a plane crash while traveling to see him. He canceled shows and spent time in Barbados. In March 1977, he performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London, raising money for charity.
1979: Awards and Performance in Egypt
In 1979, during a party at Caesars, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Grammy Trustees Award, celebrating 40 years in show business and his 64th birthday. Also in 1979, former President Gerald Ford awarded Sinatra the International Man of the Year Award, and he performed in front of the Egyptian pyramids for Anwar Sadat, raising money for charity.
1980: Release of 'Trilogy: Past Present Future' Album
In 1980, Frank Sinatra's first album in six years, 'Trilogy: Past Present Future', was released. The triple album featured songs from pre-rock and rock eras and garnered six Grammy nominations, winning for best liner notes. The album also spawned "Theme from New York, New York".
1980: Donation to Ronald Reagan's campaign
In the 1980 presidential election, Frank Sinatra donated $4 million to Ronald Reagan's campaign and arranged Reagan's Presidential gala.
February 1981: Restoration of gambling license
In February 1981, Frank Sinatra's gambling license was restored following support from Ronald Reagan.
1981: Success of 'She Shot Me Down' Album and Controversy in Sun City
In 1981, Frank Sinatra built on the success of Trilogy with 'She Shot Me Down', an album praised for its tone. Also in 1981, Sinatra faced controversy for performing in Sun City, Bophuthatswana, during the apartheid era, breaking a cultural boycott. He received the Order of the Leopard and was made an honorary tribal chief by President Lucas Mangope.
1982: Deal with the Golden Nugget of Las Vegas
In 1982, Frank Sinatra signed a $16 million three-year deal with the Golden Nugget of Las Vegas.
June 1984: Performance at the White House State Dinner
In June 1984, Frank Sinatra performed at the State Dinner in the White House honoring Sri Lankan President J. R. Jayawardena at the invitation of Ronald Reagan.
1984: Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University
In 1984, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University.
1984: Collaboration with Quincy Jones and Release of 'L.A. Is My Lady'
In 1984, Frank Sinatra worked with Quincy Jones on the album 'L.A. Is My Lady', which was well-received critically. The album was a substitute for an album of duets with Lena Horne, which had to be abandoned.
January 1985: Reconciliation with Nelson Riddle
In January 1985, Frank Sinatra and Nelson Riddle reconciled at a dinner for Ronald Reagan, after a major falling out. Sinatra asked Riddle to make another album with him, but Riddle died before they could record.
1985: Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology
In 1985, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology.
1986: Collapse on Stage and Rat Pack Reunion Tour
In 1986, Frank Sinatra collapsed on stage in Atlantic City and was hospitalized for diverticulitis. Two years later, he reunited with Martin and Davis for the Rat Pack Reunion Tour.
June 6, 1988: Last Recordings with Reprise
On June 6, 1988, Frank Sinatra made his last recordings with Reprise for an unreleased album, including "My Foolish Heart" and "Cry Me a River".
1990: Ella Award and Performance with Ella Fitzgerald
In 1990, Frank Sinatra was awarded the second "Ella Award" by the Los Angeles-based Society of Singers and performed for a final time with Ella Fitzgerald at the award ceremony.
1991: Active Touring Schedule
In 1991, Frank Sinatra maintained an active touring schedule, performing 73 concerts in seventeen countries.
1992: CBS Airs "Sinatra" Miniseries
In 1992, CBS aired a television miniseries based on Frank Sinatra's life, titled "Sinatra." The series was directed by James Steven Sadwith and starred Philip Casnoff as Sinatra.
1992: Active Touring Schedule
In 1992, Frank Sinatra maintained an active touring schedule, performing 84 concerts in seventeen countries.
1993: Return to Capitol Records and Release of 'Duets'
In 1993, Frank Sinatra returned to Capitol Records and released 'Duets', which became his best-selling album. The album featured Sinatra remaking his classic recordings with contemporary performers.
February 25, 1995: Final Performance Before a Live Audience
On February 25, 1995, Frank Sinatra sang for the last time before a live audience at the Palm Desert Marriott Ballroom during the Frank Sinatra Desert Classic golf tournament.
1998: Ray Liotta portrays Sinatra in "The Rat Pack"
In 1998, Ray Liotta portrayed Frank Sinatra in the movie "The Rat Pack."
2003: James Russo and Dennis Hopper portray Sinatra
In 2003, James Russo portrayed Frank Sinatra in "Stealing Sinatra," and Dennis Hopper portrayed him in "The Night We Called It a Day."
2012: Robert Knepper portrays Sinatra in "My Way"
In 2012, Robert Knepper portrayed Frank Sinatra in the film "My Way".
December 2015: CBS Airs Musical Tribute to Mark Sinatra's Centenary
In December 2015, a musical tribute was aired on CBS television to mark Frank Sinatra's centenary.
2018: Rico Simonini portrays Sinatra in "Frank & Ava"
In 2018, Rico Simonini portrayed Frank Sinatra in the film "Frank & Ava", which is based on a play by Willard Manus.
2023: Premiere of Sinatra: The Musical
In 2023, the biopic jukebox stage musical titled "Sinatra: The Musical" by Joe DiPietro premiered at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, starring Tony Award-winning actor Matt Doyle as Sinatra.
2024: Scott Stapp portrays Sinatra in "Reagan"
In 2024, Creed singer Scott Stapp portrayed Frank Sinatra in the feature film "Reagan", a biopic of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
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