“You only live once, and the way I live, one is enough”. This was one of the most famous and remembered quotes by Frank Sinatra, one of the greatest American singers and actors in history who has left us a musical legacy of more than 59 years.
The author together with his works reflect his way of feeling, experimenting and creating, very typical of the contemporary age. From his first years he was gaining a lot of popularity, especially for his musical talent that led him to reap many awards, decorations and nominations.
A great artist who stood out in the musical world thanks to his charisma and his voice and that today in this article, like our restaurant, we pay tribute to him with some curiosities from his life and race.
The road to stardom
Frank Sinatra since his beginnings he had admiration for the world of music and especially for Bing Crosby. An American singer that Frank idolized since the first time he heard his voice in a concert in 1935. In fact, in his own biography, he himself was already clear that he wanted to sing like him.
In 1939 the singer began his first recordings in an orchestral band led by Harry James and a year later managed to join Tommy Dorsey’s band, one of the most important swing ensembles in the world. popular in the United States that allowed him to win over the masses with his peculiar personality.
The following year, the artist himself began his solo career and given his popularity, little by little he appeared in various films such as “Higher and higher” and “The man with the golden arm”. In this decade, Sinatra composed more than 60 songs, most of them orchestrated but far removed from the traditional swing style.
This change in style was due to the appearance of pop music and Rock & Roll (1970 to 1991) which forced the artist to innovate his repertoire, at this same time he had the opportunity to collaborate with legendary celebrities from the world of entertainment such as Elvis Presley, Grace Kelly, Rita Hayworth, Duke Ellington…
Later he published works such as My way that allowed him to become the representative of American popular music par excellence. This fact allowed him to establish himself as one of the best artists in history until today, especially his moment of stardom came when he collaborated with his idol Bing Crosby in 1968.
A man with unrequited love and unbridled romances
The history of Frank Sinatra was influenced by various women who marked his career and in some way his lifestyle. The artist got married up to 4 times; however, in his own biography he only recognizes his first partner (Nancy Barbato) as his real woman.
Among the author’s conquests are well-known film personalities such as Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow, Barbara Marx, Lauren Bacall, Elisabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe… His gallantry also attracted the attention of Jackie Kennedy, the ex-wife of the politician John F. Kennedy
There are anecdotes in his own biography in which he tells that he used to maintain secret romances with some of his closest friends’ wives, such as Humphrey Bogart’s wife.
The continuous romances and divorces are reflected in the artist’s influences and his path to stardom, especially in the changes of rhythms and styles.
Welcome to elvis
In 1960 the rock singer Elvis Presley finished his service in the American armed forces, in this period of years the king of rock had distanced himself from the world of music mainly due to family problems such as the death of his mother.
With the idea of resuming his singing career once again and to his surprise, Frank Sinatra himself organized a television special entitled Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis where both artists performed together.
Although Sinatra held controversial views on Rock & Roll and his popularity was threatened by new youth figures, at the last moment he decided to join his rival at his daughter’s suggestion. This unexpected joint performance made both singers cement a friendship despite their musical differences.
Unfounded mobster rumors
One of the most criticized aspects of Frank Sinatra’s life were his relationships with the mafia and organized crime. This facet of his was always accompanied by his reputation, since more than once he was investigated by the FBI.
but officially it was not proven that he was involved in any criminal activity.
Many lies, scams, murders were indirectly associated with his person, since it is true that he was friends with various characters from the underworld such as Sam Giancana or Lucky Luciano (the father of the mafia).
These facts inspired one of the Godfather scenes in which the singer Fontaine is invited by the mobster Vito Corleone to sing at his daughter’s wedding.
My Way
One of the artist’s most recognized songs and one that sums up his particular way of living his life. This adaptation of “comme d’habitude” by Claude François and Jacques Revaux also takes the name of our lounge restaurant, which is also a tribute to the 50s.
In fact, within My Way you will be able to watch clips of classic films of the time accompanied by a good assortment of delicious tapas and the most refreshing cocktails in Plaza Real.
Live the My Way experience in your own way!
