Sinatra, The Voice Of America

[Bobbisox1]

Never usually have the TV on during the day but we recorded this on Sky Arts, I've watched many documentaries about him but this was a truly in depth look into the great man's career, we have sat with a coffee and toasted crumpets on this cool,windy afternoon enjoying this, well worth a watch

[david small]

Great man......I think not.

[Bobbisox1]

Do you have a reason Dave Small?

[DeeLicious]

[Bobbisox1]

Thanks Dee, love it

[bainbrig]

Bobbisox. I don’t think you and I will get on. I’m distraught...

[Bobbisox1]

Oh I think we will haha,why? Because I respect and accept other people's opinions, even yours ;0)

[10ClarionSt]

Clearly Sinatra was someone you either loved or hated. But he had a great breathing technique. He was extremely professional in his approach. As a young singer with the Dorsey band, he was fascinated by the musicians' ability to hold a note in virtually perfect pitch. He made it one of his his goals to be able to do the same, vocally. He had great respect for composers and always tried to interpret their songs in best way he thought possible. Like I say, some people couldn't stand him, but he was a great performer with excellent musical knowledge and ability.

[Jordyboy9]

I am a fan of Dean Martin.,
But to hear the rubbish opinion about Sinatra,
The man was undeniably the greatest of all time,

[david small]

Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison,
Do you see where I’m going? A mere crooner is a poor comparison. He epitomised middle American vocalist taste’s for four decades. But not a great man.
But horses for courses.

[Jordyboy9]

David small you say not a great man,and yes you are right,but,the voice was something else,truly fabulous.

[Bobbisox1]

David small, did Abe Lincoln and those you've mentioned, entertain thousands for decades?

[teacake44]

Franks spectrum of notes from high to low were outstanding, and Dean Martin. Singing together was some show.

[237SJ]

There was an excellent 3 part series on BBC iPlayer called'Sinatra, all or nothing at all' I `m not sure it's still available but it was well worth watching.

[Bobbisox1]

Yes, I watched that 237SJ, excellent 3 parter

[andy-hughes]

As I have said many times, I am a firm believer in separating the art from the artist - I still love Gary Glitter records even though he is a horrible human being, for example.

But I find that really hard to do with Sinatra - every time I hear him, I can't get out of my mind what an awful man he was, regardless of his talent.

Objectively, I never rated him as highly as Tony Bennett, and as a personal preference, I much prefer Matt Monro's voice.

[NellieMay]

To be honest I preferred Matt Monroe's effortless voice.

[ummmm]

Why was he awful?

[NellieMay]

Oh, just saw your posting Andy, after I posted!

[andy-hughes]

ummm - // Why was he awful? //

Sinatra? He was known for counting various Mafia Dons as his friends, and he was known to abuse women, including his wives. His utterly shameful abuse of Sammy Davies was part of the Rat Pack 'schtick', but it was still deeply unpleasant, even though it was of its time.

Sinatra also insulted and threatened Mario Puzo in a restaurant after it was generally acknowledged that the character of Johnny Fontaine in Puzo's novel The Godfather, was more than loosely based on Sinatra - with Sinatra's rumoured mafia connections saving his career by getting him acting roles for which he had been turned down before their alleged persuasions. Sinatra publicly humiliated Puzo when they were introduced in a restaurant, with Puzo leaving in embarrassment.

Add to that his continual 'farewell tours' where he milked fans for their adoration and nostalgia long after his ability to perform well had left him.

[Bobbisox1]

^^^^ sorry , can't agree A-H