Frank Sinatra, known as "The Voice," was not only one of the most influential and popular singers of the 20th century but also a larger-than-life personality. Along with his unmatched vocal talent and charisma, Sinatra became associated with the idea of black magic, a legendary aura that surrounded him. Sinatra's mastery of his craft was often referred to as "black magic" because of the enchanting effect his performances had on audiences. With his smooth voice and impeccable phrasing, he had the ability to captivate listeners like no other. His interpretations of songs were filled with emotion and passion, drawing in his audience and leaving them spellbound. Moreover, Sinatra's mysterious personal life also contributed to the notion of black magic surrounding him.
Jennifer enjoys writing articles on all types of musical instruments and is always extending her understanding and appreciation of music. She also writes science fiction and fantasy short stories for various websites and hopes to get her first book published in the very near future.
One notable performance took place during his legendary Rat Pack shows in Las Vegas, where Sinatra electrified audiences with his captivating stage presence and remarkable vocal abilities. The lyrics vividly describe the transformative nature of love, painting a picture of lovers caught in a spell that feels both exhilarating and irresistible.
Moreover, Sinatra's mysterious personal life also contributed to the notion of black magic surrounding him. His relationships with beautiful and glamorous women, including Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow, added to his allure and aura of intrigue. Sinatra's personal charm and magnetism made him irresistible to many, leading to the idea that he possessed some kind of bewitching power.
That Old Black Magic
Francis Albert Sinatra didn’t have an easy entrance into this world. He almost died the day he was born in 1915 as the huge 13½-pound baby just refused to come out of his tiny mother – a woman less than five feet tall. Using forceps, the doctor tugged away, ripping and scarring the baby’s ear, cheek and neck, and puncturing his eardrum. Eventually his grandmother – an experienced midwife – grabbed him from the doctor and held him under cold running water until he gasped his first breath.
When Sinatra left school, fed up in 1931 his father, Marty – a tavern owner and part-time prizefighter – insisted he got a ‘proper job – and certainly no music business: ‘Do you wanna get a regular job? Or do you wanna be a bum?’ So of course the teenage Sinatra became a singer…
His deep blue eyes earned him the popular nickname ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ and he was also known for his sense of style, always dressing immaculately in expensive custom-tailored tuxedos on stage and stylish pin-striped suits and other clothing at other times. He said that his clothing made him feel ‘wealthy and important’. He was certainly both of those.
But he apparently also had a reputation for having a bit of a temper. Barbara Sinatra stated that he would ‘snap at anyone for the slightest misdemeanor’, while Van Heusen said that when Sinatra got drunk it was ‘best to disappear’. However it was not all bad. Sinatra once had an argument with his manager Bobby Burns. Rather than apologise, Sinatra bought him a brand new Cadillac instead
Sinatra as Tony Rome
Sinatra once said that if it had not been for the music he would ‘probably have ended in a life of crime’ saying ‘if you sing in joints, you’re gonna know the guys that run them’. The FBI actually kept a 2403 page dossier on Sinatra who had alleged ties with the Mafia. however, he denied any Mafia involvement declaring, ‘Any report that I fraternized with goons or racketeers is a vicious lie’.
But Sinatra’s legacy is undeniable with more than 1,400 recordings he made during more than 50 years as a performer. One of the important bodies of work in American popular vocal music. Sinatra redefined singing and in the words of critic Gene Lees, Sinatra ‘ learned how to make a sophisticated craft sound as natural as an intimate conversation or personal confession’.
Abdul Aziz Nasser Theatre, Doha, Qatar
And, rather amazingly, that is what is taking Rainer Hersch to Doha in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar for his next great new show, The Music of Frank Sinatra. In a whirlwind tour of the music of this 20th century legend, Rainer Hersch will be joined by singer Richard Shelton plus orchestra and choir in a show with favourites including Come Fly With Me, Strangers in the Night, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Fly Me to the Moon, New York, New York, and of course, My Way.
Additionally, Sinatra's involvement with the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Peter Lawford, further enhanced his reputation as a legendary figure. The Rat Pack's rebellious and extravagant lifestyle only fueled the notion that Sinatra was involved in some kind of mysticism. However, it is important to note that the label of "black magic" was not meant to be taken literally. It was a metaphorical term used to convey the profound impact Sinatra had on his audiences and the larger-than-life persona he embodied. Sinatra's talent and personality were truly larger than life, as he effortlessly commanded the stage and left a lasting impression on anyone who had the privilege of witnessing his performances. In conclusion, Frank Sinatra's legendary status and the notion of black magic that surrounded him were a testament to his incredible talent, charisma, and mysterious persona. His enchanting voice and captivating performances left audiences spellbound, earning him the well-deserved moniker of "The Voice." Sinatra's influence and impact on the music industry continue to be felt to this day, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time..
Reviews for "Sinatra's Signature Style: The Black Magic of his Timeless Elegance"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Frank Sinatra: The Legendary Black Magic." I had such high hopes for a compilation album that would showcase Sinatra's incredible talent and mesmerizing voice. However, I found the selection of songs to be quite underwhelming. Many of the tracks included were lesser-known songs and lacked the charisma and charm that Sinatra is famous for. It felt like a missed opportunity to truly capture the essence of his legendary status. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing for a more captivating collection of Sinatra's music.
2. John - 2 stars - As a fan of Frank Sinatra, I was excited to listen to "The Legendary Black Magic." However, upon listening to the album, I was disappointed with the overall quality and production. The sound engineering seemed subpar, with some tracks sounding muffled and poorly mixed. Additionally, the song selection felt uninspired and lacked the energy and emotion that Sinatra is known for. It felt like a hastily put together compilation rather than a thoughtfully curated tribute to one of music's greatest voices. I cannot recommend this album to fellow Sinatra fans.
3. Megan - 1 star - I found "Frank Sinatra: The Legendary Black Magic" to be a total letdown. The album lacked cohesion and direction, with a disjointed mix of songs that didn't flow well together. The transitions between tracks were abrupt and awkward, making it hard to enjoy the music. Furthermore, some of the recordings sounded dated and poorly remastered, detracting from the overall listening experience. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this release and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a comprehensive compilation of Frank Sinatra's best work.
4. David - 2 stars - While I appreciate the attempt to capture the magic of Frank Sinatra's music, "The Legendary Black Magic" fell flat for me. The album seemed to focus more on showcasing Sinatra's less popular material rather than his timeless classics. While I understand the intention to dig deeper into his discography, I found myself longing for the iconic hits that made Sinatra the legend he is today. The pacing of the album felt off, and the overall selection left me feeling unsatisfied. I would recommend seeking out other Sinatra compilations that better highlight his strongest and most memorable songs.