Sinatra's Life At A Glance
Some milestones in the life of Frank Sinatra.
- Dec. 12, 1915: Francis Albert Sinatra is born in Hoboken, N.J.
- 1935: Wins Major Bowes Amateur Hour as part of the Hoboken Four.
- 1939: Weds for the first time, to Nancy Barbato. They have three children, Nancy, Frank Jr. and Christina. Marriage ends in divorce.
- 1939: Joins Harry James' band. Among their songs: All or Nothing At All.
- 1940: Joins Tommy Dorsey's band. Among their songs: Polka Dots and Moonbeams, I'll Never Smile Again.
- 1942: Goes solo; highly publicized concerts at New York's Paramount solidify his stardom. Among '40s solo hits: Five Minutes More, Mam'selle.
- 1940s: Begins Hollywood career, appearing in musicals such as Anchors Aweigh, "On the Town."
- 1946: The House I Live In, short film with a tolerance message in which Sinatra appears, wins a special Oscar.
- 1951: Weds actress Ava Gardner. Marriage ends in divorce.
- 1953: Film From Here To Eternity revives his career and, in early 1954, brings him the Oscar for best supporting actor. Among other notable nonmusical films: The Man With the Golden Arm, The Manchurian Candidate."
- 1950s: Series of albums, mostly with arranger Nelson Riddle, bring him new praise. Among them: Songs for Swinging Lovers, In the Wee Small Hours.
- 1963: 19-year-old Frank Sinatra Jr. abducted by two armed men from a motel in Stateline, Nev., where he was appearing as a singer. Freed two days later after the payment of $240,000 ransom.
- 1960s: Still manages to have hits in era of Beatles: Something Stupid with daughter Nancy; Strangers in the Night, That's Life, and Summer Wind.
- 1966: Weds actress Mia Farrow. Marriage ends in divorce.
- 1971: Gives "farewell concert."
- 1973: Returns to performing; `Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back."
- 1976: Weds Barbara Marx, ex-wife of Zeppo.
- 1980: Album Trilogy released, including hit Theme From New York, New York.
- 1985: Receives Medal of Freedom from President Reagan.
- 1993: Gains new fans among younger generation with Duets.
- 1996: Wins Grammy Award for best traditional pop vocal performance for Duets II. His first competitive Grammy in 29 years.
Sinatra: 48 Hours Home