Frank Sinatra's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Frank Sinatra. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

May 1941: Topped male singer polls

By May 1941, Frank Sinatra topped the male singer polls in Billboard and DownBeat magazines, indicating his growing popularity.

1943: Peak of Popularity

By 1943, Frank Sinatra had reached the top spots in polls of most popular singers.

1943: Solo nightclub appearance at New York's Riobamba and concert at Waldorf-Astoria

In 1943, Frank Sinatra made his first solo nightclub appearance at New York's Riobamba and had a successful concert at the Waldorf-Astoria New York, solidifying his position in New York high society. He released singles such as "You'll Never Know", "Close to You", "Sunday, Monday, or Always" and "People Will Say We're in Love". By the end of 1943, he was more popular in a DownBeat poll than Bing Crosby.

1945: Co-starring in Anchors Aweigh

In 1945, Frank Sinatra co-starred opposite Gene Kelly and Kathryn Grayson in the Technicolor musical Anchors Aweigh, in which he played 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.

October 30, 1947: Key to the City

On October 30, 1947, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Fred M. De Sapio in his native Hoboken.

1949: Awarded the Hollzer Memorial Award

In 1949, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Hollzer Memorial Award by the Los Angeles Jewish Community.

August 1953: Career Revival with From Here to Eternity

In August 1953, the release of the film From Here to Eternity marked the beginning of a remarkable career revival for Frank Sinatra.

1953: Role in From Here to Eternity

In 1953, Frank Sinatra starred in Fred Zinnemann's From Here to Eternity, playing the role of "Maggio". He won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, which helped him regain his position as the top recording artist in the world.

1953: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor

In 1953, Frank Sinatra won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "From Here to Eternity", marking a high point in his acting career.

1955: Roles in 'The Man with the Golden Arm', 'Guys and Dolls', and 'The Tender Trap'

In 1955, Frank Sinatra was nominated for an Academy Award and BAFTA Award for his role in "The Man with the Golden Arm". He also starred in "Guys and Dolls" and "The Tender Trap". Also in 1955, Sinatra was nominated for a BAFTA Award for his role in "Not as a Stranger".

1957: Won Golden Globe Award for Pal Joey

In 1957, Frank Sinatra won a Golden Globe Award for his role in "Pal Joey", recognizing his acting achievements.

1958: Album Release and Success

In 1958, Frank Sinatra released the concept album Come Fly with Me with Billy May, which reached the top spot on the Billboard album chart. He also released Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely in September, a successful collection of introspective songs.

1959: Release of Come Dance with Me! and Grammy Awards

In 1959, Frank Sinatra released Come Dance with Me!, a highly successful album that won multiple Grammy Awards.

September 1965: Release of September of My Years

In September 1965, Frank Sinatra released the album September of My Years, which went on to win 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: September of My Years album release and Emmy win

In 1965, Frank Sinatra recorded "September of My Years" and starred in the Emmy-winning television special "Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music", a year of notable accomplishments.

1971: Received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

In 1971, Frank Sinatra received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, an honor recognizing his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

November 1, 1972: Raised $6.5 million for Israel

On November 1, 1972, Frank Sinatra raised $6.5 million in bond pledges for Israel and was given the Medallion of Valor.

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.

1978: Frank Sinatra Student Center Dedicated

In 1978, the Frank Sinatra Student Center at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was dedicated in his name.

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: Release of 'Trilogy: Past Present Future'

In 1980, Frank Sinatra's first album in six years, "Trilogy: Past Present Future", was released. The triple album featured songs from both the pre-rock and rock eras, and garnered six Grammy nominations, winning for best liner notes. It peaked at number 17 on Billboard's album chart and spawned the signature tune "Theme from New York, New York".

1981: Controversy over Sun City performance and release of "She Shot Me Down"

In 1981, Frank Sinatra performed in Sun City, Bophuthatswana, breaking a cultural boycott against apartheid-era South Africa, for which he received the Order of the Leopard and was made an honorary tribal chief. Also in 1981, he released "She Shot Me Down", an album praised for its dark tone.

1983: Kennedy Center Honors

In 1983, Frank Sinatra was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious recognition of his contributions to American culture.

1984: Honorary Doctorate from Loyola Marymount

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

1985: Honorary Doctorate from Stevens Institute

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

1985: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1985, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

1990: Ella Award and final 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.

1994: Legend Award at the Grammy Awards

In 1994, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Legend Award at the Grammy Awards, where he was introduced by Bono.

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".