Childhood and Education Journey of Frank Sinatra in Timeline
How education and upbringing influenced the life of Frank Sinatra. A timeline of key moments.
Frank Sinatra, nicknamed "Chairman of the Board" and "Ol' Blue Eyes", was a highly popular American singer and actor of the 20th century. He is one of the best-selling music artists globally, with estimated record sales of 150 million. Sinatra's widespread appeal cemented his place as a significant figure in entertainment history.
December 12, 1915: Frank Sinatra's Birth
On December 12, 1915, Francis Albert Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants. His birth was difficult, leading to lifelong scarring.
1915: Centenary
The 6-foot (1.8 m) tall bronze statue of Sinatra was dedicated on December 12, 2021, the date of Sinatra's birthday in 1915
April 2, 1916: Baptism
Due to birth injuries, Frank Sinatra's baptism at St. Francis Church in Hoboken was delayed until April 2, 1916.
1928: Attended David E. Rue Jr. High School
In 1928, Sinatra attended David E. Rue Jr. High School.
1931: Attended A. J. Demarest High School and Expulsion
In 1931, Sinatra attended A. J. Demarest High School (now Hoboken High School) but was expelled for "general rowdiness" after 47 days.
June 1940: Dorsey as Godfather to Nancy Sinatra
In June 1940, Sinatra asked Tommy Dorsey to be the godfather to his daughter Nancy.
December 30, 1942: Paramount Theatre Opening
On December 30, 1942, Sinatra's "legendary opening" at the Paramount Theatre in New York led to the phenomenon known as "Sinatramania."
1942: Musician's Strike
In 1942, the musician's strike had started, which impacted the music industry and recording process for many artists, including Sinatra.
December 11, 1943: Sinatra Classified 4-F
On December 11, 1943, Frank Sinatra was officially classified as 4-F, meaning "Registrant not acceptable for military service", due to a perforated eardrum, although Army files suggested other underlying reasons.
October 1944: Columbus Day Riot
In October 1944, Sinatra's return to the Paramount caused a near riot, known as the Columbus Day Riot, due to the overwhelming number of fans.
1944: Campaigning for Franklin D. Roosevelt
In 1944, Frank Sinatra heavily campaigned for the Democratic Party after meeting President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1944: Sinatra Releases Music and Performs for Troops
In 1944, Frank Sinatra released "I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night" and recorded "White Christmas." He also entertained troops overseas with the USO and worked with the Andrews Sisters on the radio.
November 1945: Involvement in Froebel High School Strike
In November 1945, Frank Sinatra was invited to Gary, Indiana, to try to settle a strike by white students against the "Pro-Negro" policies of the new principal, which led to accusations of being a communist.
1945: Sinatra's Busy Year
In 1945, despite being heavily involved in political activity, Frank Sinatra sang on 160 radio shows, recorded 36 times, and shot four films, marking a very busy and productive year.
1946: Sinatra's Continued Success
In 1946, Frank Sinatra continued his success by singing on 160 radio shows, recording 36 times, and shooting four films, performing on stage up to 45 times a week, singing up to 100 songs daily.
October 30, 1947: Key to the City of Hoboken
On October 30, 1947, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Fred M. De Sapio in his native Hoboken.
1948: Campaigning for Harry S. Truman
In 1948, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for President Harry S. Truman during the presidential election.
January 1950: Death of George Evans
In January 1950, Frank Sinatra faced a significant personal loss with the death of his publicist, George Evans, which deeply affected him and his career.
1950: Vocal Hemorrhage
In 1950, Frank Sinatra suffered from a vocal hemorrhage, an event that affected his singing style.
1952: Campaigning for Adlai Stevenson
In 1952, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for Adlai Stevenson during the presidential election.
November 1953: Musical Collaboration with Riddle
In November 1953, Frank Sinatra and Riddle continued their musical collaboration, developing and refining their partnership with Sinatra providing specific guidance on the arrangements.
1953: Visit to Frenchay Hospital
In 1953, Frank Sinatra visited Frenchay Hospital, which used to sit at the site of a new housing development.
February 1956: Inauguration of Capitol Records Building Studios
In February 1956, Frank Sinatra's recording sessions inaugurated the studios at the Capitol Records Building, where he recorded songs with a 56-piece symphonic orchestra, showcasing powerful sexual overtones in his vocal performances.
1956: Campaigning for Adlai Stevenson
In 1956, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for Adlai Stevenson during the presidential election.
1956: Sinatra Conducts, Performs Politically and with The Dorseys
In 1956, Frank Sinatra released "Frank Sinatra Conducts Tone Poems of Color", sang at the Democratic National Convention, and performed with The Dorsey Brothers for a week at the Paramount Theatre, showcasing his diverse talents and activities.
September 19, 1959: Master of Ceremonies for Nikita Khrushchev
On September 19, 1959, Frank Sinatra was the master of ceremonies at a luncheon attended by Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, showcasing his prominence in Hollywood.
January 1961: Organizing 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.
1961: Performances for Mexican Charities
In 1961, Frank Sinatra traveled to Mexico to perform for Mexican charities, marking his early involvement in philanthropic endeavors.
1962: Performances for Mexican Charities
In 1962, Frank Sinatra continued his philanthropic work by traveling to Mexico to perform for Mexican charities.
1962: Concerts in Israel
In 1962, Frank Sinatra gave a series of concerts in Israel.
1962: Snubbed by President Kennedy
In 1962, Frank Sinatra was snubbed by President Kennedy, who stayed with Bing Crosby in Palm Springs due to FBI concerns about Sinatra's alleged Mafia connections.
1963: King at Sinatra's Concert
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. sat weeping in the audience at one of Frank Sinatra's concerts as Sinatra sang "Ol' Man River".
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, demonstrating his commitment to charitable causes.
June 1965: Charity Performance with Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin
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.
1966: Donating Fee for Cameo Role
In 1966, Frank Sinatra donated his entire $50,000 fee for appearing in a cameo role in Cast a Giant Shadow to the Youth Center in Jerusalem.
1968: Working with Hubert H. Humphrey
In 1968, Frank Sinatra worked with Hubert H. Humphrey and remained a supporter of the Democratic Party.
1969: The Godfather Novel
In 1969, Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather was published.
November 2, 1970: Last Recording Session Before Retirement
On November 2, 1970, Frank Sinatra recorded the last songs for Reprise Records before his self-imposed retirement. The following June, he announced his retirement at a concert in Hollywood.
1970: Shift in Political Affiliations and Racial Issues
In 1970, Frank Sinatra changed his political affiliations and became less outspoken on racial issues, despite his past civil rights contributions.
1970: Endorsing Ronald Reagan
In 1970, Frank Sinatra endorsed Republican Ronald Reagan for a second term as Governor of California, though still a registered Democrat.
1971: Sinatra's Retirement
In 1971, Sinatra retired following the release of "My Way."
July 1972: Supporting Richard Nixon
In July 1972, Frank Sinatra officially changed his allegiance and supported Richard Nixon for re-election in the 1972 presidential election.
October 20, 1972: Performance at Young Voters Rally
On October 20, 1972, Frank Sinatra performed "My Kind of Town" at a Young Voters Rally in Chicago at the request of President Richard Nixon.
November 1, 1972: Raising Funds for Israel and Receiving 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.
1972: Sinatra's Reaction to The Godfather
In 1972, Frank Sinatra confronted Mario Puzo, believing the character Johnny Fontane in The Godfather was based on his life.
1976: Reunion of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis and Awards
In 1976, Sinatra reunited Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis at the "Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon". That year, the Friars Club selected him as the "Top Box Office Name of the Century", and he received the Scopus Award and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
January 1977: Death of Dolly Sinatra
In January 1977, Sinatra's mother, Dolly, died in a plane crash on the way to see him at Caesars Palace, leading him to cancel shows.
1978: Lawsuit against Land Developer
In 1978, Sinatra filed a $1 million lawsuit against a land developer for using his name in the "Frank Sinatra Drive Center" in West Los Angeles.
1978: Frank Sinatra International Student Center Dedicated
In 1978, The Frank Sinatra International Student Center at Israel's Hebrew University in Jerusalem dedicated in 1978.
1978: Frank Sinatra Student Center Dedicated
In 1978, The Frank Sinatra Student Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was dedicated in his name.
1980: Supporting Ronald Reagan in Presidential Election
In 1980, Frank Sinatra supported Ronald Reagan in the presidential election and donated $4 million to Reagan's campaign.
June 1984: Performing 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 US President Ronald Reagan.
1984: Honorary Doctorate from Loyola Marymount University
In 1984, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University.
January 1985: Reconciliation with Nelson Riddle
In January 1985, Sinatra and Nelson Riddle reconciled at a dinner organized for Ronald Reagan, where Sinatra asked Riddle to make another album with him.
1985: Honorary Doctorate from Stevens Institute of Technology
In 1985, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology.
1985: Receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 1985, Frank Sinatra received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan, who praised his love of country and generosity.
1989: Frank Sinatra Park Opening
In 1989, Frank Sinatra Park was opened on the waterfront in Hoboken, marked with a bronze plaque.
February 1997: Suffering a Heart Attack
In February 1997, Frank Sinatra suffered a heart attack and made no further public appearances.
2002: Frank Sinatra Hall at USC Dedicated
In 2002, The Frank Sinatra Hall at the USC School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, California, was dedicated.
2003: Post Office Rededicated in Sinatra's Honor
In 2003, the main post office in Hoboken was rededicated in Frank Sinatra's honor.
2008: Sinatra Restaurant Opens
In 2008, Wynn Resorts' Encore Las Vegas resort opened a restaurant dedicated to Frank Sinatra.
