America's first Pop Star

During while tensions were brimming across the world and especially in Europe during the late 1930s, Frank Sinatra was reaching the peak of his career. A star singer, Sinatra had an appeal like no other and could easily be considered the most famous american artist until Elvis Presley in the 1950s. So how did he rise to such fame?


Sinatra was born in 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Sicilian immigrants. He was inspired by Bing Cosby in the 1930s, wanting to become a singer then. He started performing on radio shows and was earning 75$ a week in 1939. His fame was realized in the 1940s with the beginning of the Swing era, having multiple chart topping songs. He became so popular that he created a group called bobby soxers- typically young women who wore very high socks.

Politically, Sinatra was an avid supporter for Franklin D Roosevelt and liberal views. He greatly supported religious and racial tolerance, using his popularity as a platform to spread his message. Although, Sinatra would later on switch platforms and support Ronald Reagan in the 1970s. On December 11, 1943, the Sinatra was deemed not acceptable for military service because of a perforated (pierced) eardrum. Military files also detail that he was "emotionally unstable." He tried to enlist in the army twice, but with no avail each time. Sinatra would help the war effort by performing for troops with comedian Phil Silvers.

Sinatra was not only a singing star, but also an accomplished actor. He won an Oscar for best supporting actor in the film From Here to Eternity. He would continue his singing career throughout this time while still being very successful. Sinatra died in 1998 due to a heart attack.

Overall, Frank Sinatra should be seen as one of the most influential figures during the 1930s to 1940s. He was able to use his fame and popularity as a singer to express his political views. His song were listened to by millions, and even in harsh times like World War II his popularity only grew. Add an acting repertoire and Sinatra is undoubtedly one of America's biggest celebrities.  






Sources:
https://sinatrafamily.com/family/world-war-ii/
http://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/09/us/fbi-releases-its-sinatra-file-with-tidbits-old-and-new.html
http://www.biography.com/people/frank-sinatra-9484810#synopsis
http://www.notablebiographies.com/Sc-St/Sinatra-Frank.html