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.
On December 12, 1915, Francis Albert Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants. His birth was difficult, leading to lifelong scarring.
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
Due to birth injuries, Frank Sinatra's baptism at St. Francis Church in Hoboken was delayed until April 2, 1916.
In 1928, Sinatra attended David E. Rue Jr. High School.
In 1931, Sinatra attended A. J. Demarest High School (now Hoboken High School) but was expelled for "general rowdiness" after 47 days.
In June 1940, Sinatra asked Tommy Dorsey to be the godfather to his daughter Nancy.
On December 30, 1942, Sinatra's "legendary opening" at the Paramount Theatre in New York led to the phenomenon known as "Sinatramania."
In 1942, the musician's strike had started, which impacted the music industry and recording process for many artists, including Sinatra.
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.
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.
In 1944, Frank Sinatra heavily campaigned for the Democratic Party after meeting President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On October 30, 1947, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Fred M. De Sapio in his native Hoboken.
In 1948, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for President Harry S. Truman during the presidential election.
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.
In 1950, Frank Sinatra suffered from a vocal hemorrhage, an event that affected his singing style.
In 1952, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for Adlai Stevenson during the presidential election.
In November 1953, Frank Sinatra and Riddle continued their musical collaboration, developing and refining their partnership with Sinatra providing specific guidance on the arrangements.
In 1953, Frank Sinatra visited Frenchay Hospital, which used to sit at the site of a new housing development.
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.
In 1956, Frank Sinatra actively campaigned for Adlai Stevenson during the presidential election.
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.
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.
In January 1961, Frank Sinatra and Peter Lawford organized the Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C. for President John F. Kennedy.
On January 27, 1961, Frank Sinatra played a benefit show at Carnegie Hall for Martin Luther King Jr.
In 1961, Frank Sinatra traveled to Mexico to perform for Mexican charities, marking his early involvement in philanthropic endeavors.
In 1962, Frank Sinatra continued his philanthropic work by traveling to Mexico to perform for Mexican charities.
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.
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. sat weeping in the audience at one of Frank Sinatra's concerts as Sinatra sang "Ol' Man River".
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.
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.
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.
In 1968, Frank Sinatra worked with Hubert H. Humphrey and remained a supporter of the Democratic Party.
In 1969, Mario Puzo's novel The Godfather was published.
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.
In 1970, Frank Sinatra changed his political affiliations and became less outspoken on racial issues, despite his past civil rights contributions.
In 1970, Frank Sinatra endorsed Republican Ronald Reagan for a second term as Governor of California, though still a registered Democrat.
In 1971, Sinatra retired following the release of "My Way."
In July 1972, Frank Sinatra officially changed his allegiance and supported Richard Nixon for re-election in the 1972 presidential election.
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.
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.
In 1972, Frank Sinatra confronted Mario Puzo, believing the character Johnny Fontane in The Godfather was based on his life.
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.
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.
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.
In 1978, The Frank Sinatra International Student Center at Israel's Hebrew University in Jerusalem dedicated in 1978.
In 1978, The Frank Sinatra Student Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was dedicated in his name.
In 1980, Frank Sinatra supported Ronald Reagan in the presidential election and donated $4 million to Reagan's campaign.
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.
In 1984, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University.
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.
In 1985, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the Stevens Institute of Technology.
In 1985, Frank Sinatra received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan, who praised his love of country and generosity.
In 1989, Frank Sinatra Park was opened on the waterfront in Hoboken, marked with a bronze plaque.
In February 1997, Frank Sinatra suffered a heart attack and made no further public appearances.
In 2002, The Frank Sinatra Hall at the USC School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles, California, was dedicated.
In 2003, the main post office in Hoboken was rededicated in Frank Sinatra's honor.
In 2008, Wynn Resorts' Encore Las Vegas resort opened a restaurant dedicated to Frank Sinatra.