Frank Sinatra

A true icon, Frank Sinatra was one of the most innovative and influential artists of the 20th Century, revolutionizing 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 plus career encompassed jazz, big band swing, movies and pop 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 before joining the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, developing the unique techniques that re-defined big band singing. These climaxed through the 1950s during collaborations with band leader Nelson Riddle, resulting in classic recordings like Songs For Swingin' Lovers and Come Fly With Me. Later he embraced pop music, resulting in further legendary hits such as Strangers In The Night, My Way and Somethin' Stupid, with daughter Nancy Sinatra.