A true icon, Frank Sinatra was one of the most innovative and influential
artists of the 20th century, revolutionising vocal techniques by singing off the
beat and elevating the role of big band crooner from bit-part player to star
attraction. His extraordinary 60-year career encompassed jazz, big band, swing
and pop as well as acting, but started humbly as a singing waiter in New Jersey
in Depression-era 1930s.
He was hired by Harry James to sing with his band in 1939 and released his first
record with them, 'From the Bottom of My Heart'. Soon afterwards he joined the
Tommy...