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, a highly acclaimed American singer and actor, remains one of the most iconic entertainers of the 20th century. Known by monikers such as "Chairman of the Board" and "Ol' Blue Eyes," Sinatra achieved global fame and sold an estimated 150 million records, establishing himself as one of the best-selling music artists worldwide. His influence on music and popular culture endures.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

December 12, 1915: Frank Sinatra's Birth

On December 12, 1915, Francis Albert Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey. He would become a highly influential American singer and actor.

April 2, 1916: Delayed Baptism

Due to injuries sustained at birth, Francis Albert 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, Frank Sinatra attended David E. Rue Jr. High School, marking his early education.

1931: Attended and expelled from A. J. Demarest High School

In 1931, Frank Sinatra attended A. J. Demarest High School (now Hoboken High School) but left without graduating after 47 days due to expulsion for "general rowdiness".

June 1940: Tommy Dorsey Godfather to Nancy Sinatra

In June 1940, Tommy Dorsey was named the godfather to Frank Sinatra's daughter, Nancy, indicating the close relationship between the two men at that time.

September 3, 1942: Dorsey bidded farewell to Sinatra

On September 3, 1942, Tommy Dorsey bidded farewell to Frank Sinatra, marking the end of their professional relationship.

December 11, 1943: Classified 4-F

On December 11, 1943, Frank Sinatra was officially classified 4-F by his draft board, making him "not acceptable for military service" due to a perforated eardrum. Army files indicated the real reason was his emotional instability.

October 1944: Columbus Day Riot at Paramount Theatre

In October 1944, when Frank Sinatra returned to the Paramount Theatre, a near riot, known as the Columbus Day Riot, occurred outside the venue due to the overwhelming number of fans trying to get in.

1944: Campaigning for Democrats

In 1944, after meeting President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra heavily campaigned for the Democrats in the presidential election.

November 1945: Settling Strike at Froebel High School

In November 1945, Frank Sinatra was invited to Gary, Indiana, to try to settle a strike at Froebel High School, leading to accusations of being a communist.

1946: Sinatra attended Mafia Havana Conference

In 1946, Frank Sinatra was present at the Mafia Havana Conference with Lucky Luciano, resulting in negative press and the headline "Shame, Sinatra".

1948: Campaigning for Harry S. Truman

In 1948, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for President Harry S. Truman.

January 1950: Death of Publicist George Evans

In January 1950, Frank Sinatra's publicist, George Evans, died, which was an enormous shock to Sinatra and crucial to his career and popularity.

1952: Campaigning for Adlai Stevenson

In 1952, Frank Sinatra campaigned for Adlai Stevenson.

1953: Visit to Frenchay Hospital

In 1953, Frank Sinatra visited Frenchay Hospital.

1953: Split with Ava Gardner

In the fall of 1953, Frank Sinatra's split with Ava Gardner had a profound impact on the types of songs he sang and on his voice, leading him to sing songs with a "brooding melancholy".

1956: Campaigning for Adlai Stevenson

In 1956, Frank Sinatra campaigned for Adlai Stevenson.

September 19, 1959: Master of Ceremonies 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, solidifying his position in Hollywood.

January 1961: Organizing Inaugural Gala

In January 1961, Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford organized the Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C., for President John F. Kennedy.

1961: Performances for Mexican Charities

In 1961, Frank Sinatra traveled to Mexico to perform in support of Mexican charities, showcasing his involvement in philanthropic activities.

1962: Performances for Mexican Charities

In 1962, Frank Sinatra traveled to Mexico to perform in support of Mexican charities, showcasing his involvement in philanthropic activities.

1962: Snubbed by President Kennedy

In 1962, Frank Sinatra was snubbed by President Kennedy, who stayed with Bing Crosby due to FBI concerns.

1963: Suspension of Gambling License

In 1963, Frank Sinatra's gambling license was temporarily suspended after Giancana was spotted at the Cal Neva Lodge & Casino, leading to him giving up his share in Cal Neva and the Sands. His son, Frank Jr., was also kidnapped that year.

1963: King sat weeping at 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, underscoring his commitment to charitable causes and international cooperation.

1966: Donation to Youth Center in Jerusalem

In 1966, Frank Sinatra donated his $50,000 fee for his appearance in the movie "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 until the early 1970s.

1969: Publication of The Godfather

In 1969, Mario Puzo's novel, The Godfather, was published. Sinatra believed that the character Johnny Fontane was based on him.

November 2, 1970: Final Recording Session Before Retirement

On November 2, 1970, Frank Sinatra recorded his last songs for Reprise Records before his self-imposed retirement. He gave a rousing performance of "That's Life", and finished the concert with "Angel Eyes".

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.

1970: Less outspoken on racial issues

In 1970, when Frank Sinatra changed his political affiliations, he became less outspoken on racial issues.

July 1972: Changed Allegiance to Republican Party

In July 1972, Frank Sinatra officially changed allegiance to the Republican Party and supported Richard Nixon 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.

1972: Sinatra confronts Mario Puzo

In 1972, Sinatra confronted Mario Puzo at Chasen's, allegedly shouting abuse and threats due to Sinatra's belief that the character Johnny Fontane in The Godfather was based on him.

1973: Comeback with TV Special and Album

In 1973, Frank Sinatra came out of retirement with a television special and album, Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back, arranged by Gordon Jenkins and Don Costa. The television special, Magnavox Presents Frank Sinatra, reunited Sinatra with Gene Kelly.

May 1976: Honorary Doctorate from UNLV

In May 1976, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate litterarum humanarum from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

1976: Reunion of Martin and Lewis and Awards

In 1976, Frank Sinatra reunited Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis for the first time in nearly twenty years at the "Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon". He was also selected as the "Top Box Office Name of the Century" by the Friars Club and received multiple honorary awards.

January 1977: Death of Dolly Sinatra

In January 1977, Frank Sinatra's mother, Dolly, died in a plane crash on the way to see him, causing him to cancel shows and recover in Barbados.

1978: Lawsuit against land developer

In 1978, Frank Sinatra filed a $1 million lawsuit against a land developer for using his name in the "Frank Sinatra Drive Center" in West Los Angeles.

1979: Grammy Trustees Award and other honors

During a party at Caesars in 1979, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Grammy Trustees Award, while 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 over $500,000 for charity.

1980: Donation to Ronald Reagan's campaign

In 1980, Frank Sinatra donated $4 million to Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign.

September 21, 1983: Lawsuit against Kitty Kelley

On September 21, 1983, Frank Sinatra filed a $2 million court case against Kitty Kelley for punitive damages, before her unofficial biography, His Way, was even published.

September 19, 1984: Dropped Kitty Kelley Lawsuit

On September 19, 1984, Frank Sinatra was forced to drop the case against Kitty Kelley, with several leading newspapers expressing concerns about censorship.

1984: Honorary Doctorate from Loyola Marymount

In 1984, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University.

January 1985: Reconciliation with Nelson Riddle

In January 1985, Frank Sinatra patched up his differences with Nelson Riddle at a dinner organized for Ronald Reagan and asked Riddle to make another album with him.

1985: Honorary Doctorate from Stevens Institute

In 1985, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology.

1986: Hospitalization for diverticulitis

In 1986, Frank Sinatra collapsed on stage while performing in Atlantic City and was hospitalized for diverticulitis, which left him looking frail.

1986: Tina Sinatra blames Kitty Kelley for father's surgery

In 1986, Kitty Kelley said that Tina Sinatra blamed her for her father's colon surgery.

March 1994: Fainting Onstage in Richmond, Virginia

During his tours, Frank Sinatra fainted onstage in Richmond, Virginia in March 1994.

February 25, 1995: Last public performance

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.

1995: 80th Birthday Tribute and Last Performance

In 1995, to mark Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday, the Empire State Building glowed blue and a star-studded tribute was held. At the end of the program, Sinatra performed on stage for the last time singing the final notes of "Theme from New York, New York".