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 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.
May 1941: Topped Male Singer Polls
By May 1941, Sinatra topped the male singer polls in Billboard and DownBeat magazines, signaling his rising popularity.
1946: Sinatra Releases Debut Album
In 1946, Frank Sinatra released several singles and his debut album, "The Voice of Frank Sinatra", which reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart, selling 10 million records a year.
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.
1949: Awarded Hollzer Memorial Award
In 1949, Frank Sinatra was awarded the Hollzer Memorial Award by the Los Angeles Jewish Community.
August 1953: Release of "From Here to Eternity"
The release of the film "From Here to Eternity" in August 1953 marked the beginning of a remarkable career revival for Frank Sinatra, leading to a frenetic schedule of recordings, movies, and concerts.
1953: Won Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
In 1953, Sinatra won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "From Here to Eternity".
1957: Won Golden Globe for 'Pal Joey'
In 1957, Sinatra won a Golden Globe Award for his role in "Pal Joey".
1958: Releases of Come Fly with Me and Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely
In 1958, Frank Sinatra released the concept album "Come Fly with Me", which reached the top of the Billboard chart, and "Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely", a collection of saloon songs and ballads, both proving to be commercial successes.
1959: Release of Come Dance with Me!
In 1959, Frank Sinatra released "Come Dance with Me!", a highly successful and critically acclaimed album that stayed on Billboard's Pop album chart for 140 weeks and won multiple Grammy Awards.
October 1960: Nice 'n' Easy Tops Billboard Chart
In October 1960, Frank Sinatra's "Nice 'n' Easy", a collection of ballads, topped the Billboard chart and remained in the charts for 86 weeks, winning critical plaudits.
1965: Released 'September of My Years' and Emmy Win
In 1965, Sinatra released the album "September of My Years" and starred in the Emmy-winning TV special "Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music."
1971: Received Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 1971, Sinatra received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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.
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.
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.
1979: Grammy Trustees Award and International Man of the Year Award
In 1979, Sinatra was awarded the Grammy Trustees Award and the International Man of the Year Award, celebrating 40 years in show business and his 64th birthday. He also performed in front of the Egyptian pyramids for Anwar Sadat.
1983: Honored at Kennedy Center Honors
In 1983, Sinatra was honored at the Kennedy Center Honors for his lifetime contributions to the arts.
1984: Honorary Doctorate from Loyola Marymount University
In 1984, Frank Sinatra received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Loyola Marymount University.
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.
1997: Awarded Congressional Gold Medal
In 1997, Sinatra received the Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing his outstanding contributions to American culture and society.
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.
May 2008: Postage Stamp Issued in Honor of Sinatra
In May 2008, the United States Postal Service issued a 42-cent postage stamp in honor of Frank Sinatra.
May 20, 2008: Frank Sinatra Day Designated
On May 20, 2008, the United States Congress passed a resolution designating May 13 as Frank Sinatra Day.
2008: Sinatra Restaurant Opens
In 2008, Wynn Resorts' Encore Las Vegas resort opened a restaurant dedicated to Frank Sinatra.
2023: Rolling Stone Ranking
In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Frank Sinatra at No. 19 on their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.
