The Big Bands

A native of Hoboken, New Jersey, Frank Sinatra is an American icon and singer of popular American songs. Although he originally wanted to be a sportswriter, listening to Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday inspired Sinatra to become a singer. Like many of his contemporaries, Sinatra never learned to read music, but he had a natural talent for singing and for entertainment. Sinatra stirred young female fans of the World War II era to fainting frenzy at his performances. The media dubbed Sinatra "Swoonlight Sinatra." Sinatra still sings to large, sold-out audiences throughout the world. His music is reissued on CDs and rereleased in new collections. Sinatra also has had a respectable acting career. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in From Here to Eternity (1953). 020