Frank Sinatra's legacy still shines bright on 107th birthday anniversary through his children and grandkids
BREA, CALIFORNIA: Frank Sinatra, the legendary singer, was born on this day, December 12, 107 years ago in 1915. Nicknamed the "Chairman of the Board" and "Ol' Blue Eyes," Sinatra was one of the most influential and popular artists of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. He is one of the best-selling musicians in the world, selling an estimated 150 million records. Hits from his Christmas CD 'Christmas Tracks by Sinatra' are among his most well-known songs including songs such as 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,' 'Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,' and 'I'll Be Home For Christmas.'
The vocalist began his career singing for major bands and then went on to have a very successful acting career, receiving an Oscar for the film 'From Here to Eternity.' He also starred in other successful movies like 'The Man with the Golden Arm,' 'The Manchurian Candidate,' and musicals like 'On the Town,' and 'Guys and Dolls.'
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Frank was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on December 12, 1915, to Italian immigrants. Young Frank fell in love with singing when he joined his high school Glee Club and took inspiration from performers like Bing Crosby. He made the decision to pursue singing as a career and began appearing in neighborhood bars and nightclubs. He entered the music business after Harry James heard him on the radio and word of his abilities spread.
He was also a part of the 'Rat Pack,' which also included Frank along with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, and Joey Bishop. He married Nancy Barbato, his first wife, in 1939, but the union was short-lived. They had three children together — Christina and Nancy Sinatra and their son Frank Sinatra Jr Sinatra died on May 14, 1998, aged 82, after suffering from two heart attacks. His health had been failing in his last years as he had breathing issues, high blood pressure, and bladder cancer. He died with his fourth wife Barbara Marx by his bedside at the Cedar-Sinal Medical Center.
Fortunately, Frank's musical talent survived his death through his children. Both his daughter, Nancy, and son, Frank Jr, were notable vocalists, and their children continue to carry the musical gene, as reported by AmoMama. The older of Nancy's two daughters has joined the "family business." Angela Jennifer Lambert Paparozzi, also known as AJ, fell in love with music at a young age. She experimented with a variety of alternative bands before releasing solo albums. She has discussed her experiences listening to her grandfather's songs in the past: "When I hear things he sings, I hear them through some other filter. I hear them as a fan, but also as a human being I knew."
Although Amanda Catherine Lambert Erlinger, Nancy's second daughter, diverged from her grandfather's musical path, he was nevertheless a major influence on her work as a photographer. He was the one who introduced her to the craft. "Sadly, my dad died when I was nine and it was my grandfather who really kept up my interest in photography because of his own passion. It was something we shared together."
Frank Jr only ever acknowledged one child of his, his son named Michael Francis Sinatra, who is currently a Guest Relations Host and tour guide at Disneyland resort.