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, 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.

Sections (6)

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

October 30, 1947: Awarded Key to the City in Hoboken

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.

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.

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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.

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

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.

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May 1976: Honorary Doctorate from University of Nevada, Las Vegas

In May 1976, Frank Sinatra was invited to speak at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduation commencement held at Sam Boyd Stadium, where he was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate litterarum humanarum by the university.

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.

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.

1983: Kennedy Center Honors

In 1983, Frank Sinatra was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Katherine Dunham, James Stewart, Elia Kazan, and Virgil Thomson. President Reagan quoted Henry James in honoring Sinatra.

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.

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.

1985: Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 1985, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan.

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.