Frank Sinatra

Usher Stands Far Above Competition With Second Chart-Topping Debut

04 Jun 2008 11:56:00 EDT

Here I Stand sells almost 443,000 copies; 'Sex and the City' soundtrack opens at #2.
By Chris Harris

When you think of debonair R&B star Usher, you think hits — tracks like "U Remind Me," "My Boo" and "Yeah!" You think about the fact that the dude has sold more than 30 million records worldwide. You think about the legions of fans that make each of his live gigs sell-out events, and words like "icon" start popping into your head. So it should surprise you that, over the course of more than a decade, Usher has had just one album open at #1 on Billboard's albums sales chart.

That is until last week, when the soulful crooner issued his latest studio effort, Here I Stand. According to the latest Nielsen SoundScan totals, after selling more than 442,900 copies, Usher's latest knocks 3 Doors Down's self-titled album from the peak position of next week's chart. His previous release, 2004's Confessions, also bowed on top, but with significantly stronger sales: 1.1 million, to be exact.

But that stark difference in sales shouldn't taint Usher's latest victory one bit. In a market where albums are more often pilfered than purchased, 442,900 scans is no small potatoes. Besides, Usher basically crushed the rest of the field this week. His closest competitor, the "Sex and the City" soundtrack (featuring contributions from Fergie, Jennifer Hudson and Nina Simone), enters the chart at #2, with just 65,900 sold. The nation's third best-seller, 3 Doors Down, sold a mere 63,200 units.

Here I Stand and the "Sex and the City" set were among 16 new releases making their impact on next week's Top 200. Al Green's Lay It Down opened at #9 with 33,800 copies snatched up. But Green's was the only other newcomer to crack the top 10, which is rounded out by Bun B's II Trill at #4 (selling another 40,200 copies), Leona Lewis' Spirit at #5 (38,700), Frank Sinatra's Nothing but the Best at #6 (with 36,900 sold), Duffy's Rockferry at #7 (35,900), Mariah Carey's E=MC² at #8 (35,600) and Death Cab for Cutie's Narrow Stairs at #10 (with another 33,400 scanned).

Elsewhere on the chart, Fergie's Dutchess LP, which was re-issued last week with four bonus tracks, enjoyed a 131 percent spike in sales, ending the week with 14,800 and climbing from #104 to #28 on the chart. Down in the #46 spot, selling 11,400 copies, is Fergie's Dutchess EP. Meanwhile, Cyndi Lauper returns to the chart at #41, with her Bring Ya to the Brink, which generated 12,000 first-week scans. Underoath's Survive Kaleidoscope opens at #81 with 8,000 copies sold, and Charlotte Sometimes' Waves & the Both of Us enters at #145, with sales reported at 4,300.

36 Crazyfists' Tide and Its Takers bows at #155, selling 4,200 copies. Spiritualized's Songs in A&E claims the #157 spot with 4,100 sold. Lastly, debuting at #199 with 3,100 sold, is KT Tunstall's Live From Soho.

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George Clooney: The New Frank Sinatra? Discuss, In Rewind

12 Jun 2007 06:02:00 EDT

Since Clooney is so comfortable as Danny Ocean, what other Ol' Blue Eyes roles could he take on?
By Karl Heitmueller

Much has been written about how George Clooney is a throwback to the classic movie stars — a dashing presence respected by his peers, adored by women and envied by men.

In "Ocean's Thirteen," Clooney returns to one of his more glamorous roles, that of scalawag thief Danny Ocean (see " 'Ocean's Thirteen' Hits $37 Million Box-Office Jackpot"). The character was first played in the 1960 Rat Pack flick "Ocean's 11" by Frank Sinatra, one of those Hollywood icons to whom Clooney is often compared. So we were wondering, are there other Sinatra movies that could perhaps benefit from some modern-day Cloonefication?

After his Oscar-winning, career-rejuvenating turn as the doomed GI Maggio in 1953's "From Here to Eternity," Sinatra was suddenly taken seriously as an actor, and for his next film, he chose a dark political thriller. "Suddenly" (1954) stars Sinatra as John Baron, a killer who invades a family's home to get a shot at assassinating the president of the United States as he passes through their small town. Baron is a bitter, cynical ex-soldier who becomes increasingly irritated by the morality thrown at him from his hostages. The movie touches on the kind of sociological and political issues (including some radical ideas for the time about toy guns) that are even more relevant today. It's perfect Clooney fodder.

In 1955, in Otto Preminger's "The Man With the Golden Arm," Sinatra played Frankie Machine, an ex-con who dreams of resurrecting his drumming career but gets dragged back into a world of gambling and heroin addiction. The movie was groundbreaking in many ways: the stylistic title design of Saul Bass, Elmer Bernstein's jazz score and the stark depiction of addiction. (That last one cost the movie its seal of approval from the period's Production Code, which governed films before today's ratings system was put in place.) We've seen Clooney play unglamorous roles (specifically "Syriana"), but Frankie Machine could force him to stretch those acting muscles in an entirely new direction.

"High Society" (the 1956 musical remake of the much-beloved 1940 film "The Philadelphia Story") follows wealthy socialite Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly), whose impending marriage to a man she doesn't love is complicated by both the return of her still-besotted ex-husband and the advances of a tabloid reporter assigned to cover the wedding for a magazine. Frank plays reporter Mike Connor, whose disdain for the excesses of the privileged is challenged by his growing affection for Tracy. Clooney is comfy with the fluff, and grouped with, say, Steve Carell and Josh Lucas competing for Isla Fisher, a film satirizing culture clash, sexual indiscretions and tabloid journalism could work today (although the movie's message, that rich people have troubles too, might not go over so well).

Frank Capra's "A Hole in the Head" (1959) features Sinatra as Tony Manetta, a widowed single father who runs a Miami hotel but is endlessly distracted by impractical get-rich-quick schemes and comely female tenants. Tony's lack of focus just might cost him both his business and his son (who is in many ways more mature than he is), but possible salvation comes in the forms of a wealthy widow and a Walt Disney-esque real estate mogul with some big ideas. The ending is a ludicrous fantasy, all the better for some contemporary tinkering, and no doubt millions of ladies long to see George do the single-dad thing again (as he did in "One Fine Day").

Few of Sinatra's film roles seem more tailor-made for Clooney than Alan Baker in 1963's "Come Blow Your Horn." The loose adaptation of Neil Simon's first play centers on a middle-age Manhattan playboy whose younger brother, Buddy, shows up looking for a lesson in swinging. Buddy quickly proves such an apt pupil that he starts to steal Alan's thunder (as well as his women), and the elder Baker is forced to take a hard look at his lifestyle. Chock-full of fabulous babes, glamorous New York settings, crazy parties and the cutthroat world of plastic fruit sales, the possibilities are ripe for Clooney to satirize his own image here.

The 1965 WWII escape picture "Von Ryan's Express" is a rip-roaring action flick with enough character development and moral ambiguity to keep it interesting. Sinatra plays an American POW who leads a mostly British group of troops in a break from an Italian prison camp and through Nazi territory. While the film is well-regarded, it's got a bit too much of a Saturday-morning-serial feel and could definitely benefit from some post-"Private Ryan" grittiness. Besides, Hollywood will never, ever tire of WWII flicks.

At first glance, it seems as if Sinatra's recurring character of Miami P.I. Tony Rome (in the eponymous 1967 film and 1968's "Lady in Cement") would be a good Clooney vehicle, if it weren't for the fact that those movies are pretty awful. Rome is a cardboard character, a hard-boiled tough guy who spouts Spillane-like dialogue when he's not belting baddies or bedding beauties. And while that leaves endless room for reinterpretation, Clooney seems past the point of trying to launch a franchise, particularly one so predictable.

As for Ol' Blue Eyes' musical roles, well, the obvious problem there is that Clooney doesn't sing. So stepping into Sinatra's shoes in one of them seems unlikely. Then again, it's not like the pipes don't run in the Clooney family, as his late aunt Rosemary was one of the most successful female vocalists of the 1950s. So who knows? Clooney shares many hats with Sinatra: actor (in TV and film, drama and comedy), producer, director and political and social activist. And, like Sinatra before him, Clooney has a personal lifestyle of which most of us could only dream. Belting out some tunes in a film might be the only thing Frank did that George hasn't done.

Consider the gauntlet laid down, Mr. Clooney — bring on the remake of "Can-Can"!

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Frank Sinatra

For The Record: Quick News On Eminem, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Nappy Roots, Frank Sinatra, New Found Glory & More

20 Nov 2002 16:24:00 EST

By MTV News staff report

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty and Nappy Roots joined activists Wednesday (November 20) for the launch of Speak Up, a campaign against weapon-related school violence, sponsored by PAX, Atlantic Records and Teen People, among others. In support of the cause, Nappy Roots filmed a public service announcement and Matchbox Twenty will include a special insert about the campaign in their new album, More Than You Think You Are. ...

In the "takes-one-to-know-one" department, Marilyn Manson wrote in his online journal that fellow über-controversial artist Eminem was "rather delighted with the bits of my new album he was lucky enough to hear" when they encountered one another at the MTV Europe Music Awards in Barcelona last week. ... Slayer will release the DVD "War at the Warfield" on February 11. The disc, which was recorded at San Francisco venue the Warfield on December 7, 2001, features the band's former drummer Paul Bostaph, who dropped off the tour last December because of a chronic elbow injury, and has since joined Systematic. Bostaph was replaced on the road by the band's original drummer, Dave Lombardo, who will play on Slayer's next record. ...

Videos and live footage from New Found Glory, Something Corporate, Home Grown and others will be featured on a Drive-Thru Records DVD due December 17. The video will also feature the label's latest signing, Senses Fail. ... English rockers Supergrass will release their fourth album, Life on Other Planets, in February. Since the album has been available as an import since September 30, the American release will include either a bonus CD or DVD of a full concert of career-spanning material, said Supergrass' publicist. ...

Jordan Knight, who is currently recording his second solo album with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, will sell two new singles on his Web site (www.jordanknight.com) beginning December 2. The songs from the former New Kid on the Block are an acoustic cover of Force M.D.'s "Tender Love" and a club remake of Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting." ... If you're a punk with a penchant for Green Day, Skunk Ape Records wants you for its forthcoming tribute to the Bay Area punks. On the heels of its homage to Weezer, titled Making Noise and released in February 2001, the California indie label has issued a call to arms for all bands to submit Green Day covers to Skunk Ape Records, 8671 Emramada Avenue, Whittier, CA 90605, before January 31. For more information, visit www.skunkaperecords.com. ...

The University of Southern California dedicated an auditorium located in the school's theater complex to the late Frank Sinatra, according to the Associated Press. In support of the dedication, Sinatra's daughters, Nancy and Tina, will loan USC memorabilia including the actor's Congressional Gold Medal, Academy Awards, gold records and his signature fedora for public display through March. ... Coolio will connect with deceased relatives on "Crossing Over With John Edward on Thursday. Through Edward's readings, they will make contact with the rapper's late mother and other loved ones, reaffirming the crazy-coiffed MC's belief in the host's psychic abilities. ... Brian May, founding member of the rock group Queen and former astronomy graduate student, has received an honorary science doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire. May, who received the degree Tuesday at the university's campus north of London, said the honor "completes a great cycle in my life," according to the Associated Press. ...

11.19.02

Though his old bandmates have yet to secure a new guitarist, ex-Limp Bizkit axeman Wes Borland has found a vocalist for his new project, Eat the Day. According to a post on the band's Web site, the group is in pre-production with the as-yet-unnamed new singer and is eyeing a summer release date for its debut album. ...

In a post on the band's official Web site, Coal Chamber vocalist Dez Fafara said he's patched things up with guitarist Meegs Rascon, who's currently writing three new tracks set to be included on a live album that should surface in the spring. The two had been publicly feuding in the months prior to the recent firing of drummer Mike Cox, but have since "been speaking every other day." ... Apex Theory have reached their peak with Andy Khachaturian. The singer and principal songwriter has parted ways with the group, which is in the process of auditioning new vocalists. With the white-topped singer, Apex Theory released their debut, Topsy Turvy, in April. ...

Ozzfest veterans Neurotica have called it quits. Vocalist Kelly Shaefer, who recently auditioned for the new band featuring former members of Guns N' Roses, has already begun writing for a new project. ... Twice the Sun have split up, despite the fact that they just recently signed a deal with Roadrunner Records. ...

Class is back in session for Rival Schools, who plan to hit upstate New York's Bearsville studios in February to record the follow-up to last year's United by Fate. So far the post-hardcore quartet has written a half dozen tracks for the LP, which is expected to drop in the spring or summer. ... When you're making out your Kissmas list and checking it twice, here's an item you might want to include: "Kiss: The Early Years," written by the band's Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, which will be issued November 26 by Three Rivers Press. The 192-page book features over 250 rare photos and chronicles the band's history from 1972 to 1982. ...

Like a killer Bond gadget, Flexplay's recently unveiled proprietary DVD technology self-destructs after just a few hours, or just long enough to give someone a taste of a movie or album before they purchase it. After the DVD is removed from its packaging, a dye between the DVD's layers is slowly released, eventually rendering it unreadable from minutes to days later; the technology had its debut at last month's MTV Video Music Awards Latin America. The technology was also recently employed to promote the new Bond flick, "Die Another Day." ...

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J. Lo Steps Back, Enrique Iglesias Leaps Forward On Billboard 200

20 Feb 2002 16:12:00 EST

Escape surges into top 10 as sales climb overall.
By Abbey Goodman

For Jennifer Lopez, it was fun while it lasted — Alan Jackson's Drive will reclaim the top spot on next week's Billboard 200 chart.

Jackson's LP sold over 183,000 copies last week to return to #1 next week, according to SoundScan data released Wednesday (February 20). Creed's Weathered also returns to familiar territory, as it will check in at #2 with nearly 144,000 albums sold. Lopez' remix album, J to Tha L-O!, will drop two spots and round out the top three after moving almost 134,000 units in its second week in stores.

The new chart will reflect an overall sales surge, though most artists won't make any significant headway in their chart positions. One person that doesn't apply to, however, is Enrique Iglesias, whose new single, "Escape," will help his album of the same name jump from #21 to #10 after selling almost 82,000 copies last week.

Chris Isaak's Always Got Tonight will debut at #24 after selling over 57,000 albums in its first week. Other debuts include the Pat Metheny Group's Speaking of Now (#101), Australian country singer Kasey Chambers' Barricades & Brickwalls (#104) and folk singer Fernando Ortega's Storm (#197).

The biggest chart-climber by far will be John Williams, who will benefit from Olympics Fever. In just his second week on the charts, Williams, composer of the official theme of the 2002 Winter Games, will jump (triple lutz perhaps?) from #146 to #98. The album, American Journey, moved over 16,000 units last week.

Another impressive move is Frank Sinatra's leap from #75 to #32, thanks to a Valentine's Day sales push behind his Greatest Love Songs.

On a downward course are the Chemical Brothers and Jay-Z. Come With Us will slide back 30 spots in its third week (from #66 to #96), while Jay-Z's MTV Unplugged will fall from #69 to #89.

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Whitney Houston Does Dolly, Sinatra Gets Yanked: Grammy Flashback 1994

19 Feb 2002 10:35:37 EST

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Dylan, Stones, Sinatra On 'Sopranos' Soundtrack

20 Apr 2001 20:04:00 EDT

Second CD from acclaimed mob series also features Kinks, R.L. Burnside, Elvis Costello, actor Dominic Chianese.
By Joe D'Angelo

Bob Dylan, the Police, Frank Sinatra and the Kinks are about to be made members of the family — the Soprano family, that is, as part of a soundtrack you won't soon fuhgeddabout.

The Sopranos: Peppers & Eggs, slated for a May 8 release, collects two CDs worth of the music that plays such a crucial rule in the acclaimed mob series. A seamless (and otherwise unreleased) mix of the Police's "Every Breath You Take" with Henry Mancini's "Theme From Peter Gunn," for example, underlined the tension in the current season's premiere episode, in which authorities were trying to bug mob boss Tony Soprano's basement. A few weeks later, the Kinks' "Living on a Thin Line" — a relatively obscure '80s album cut — served as both the opening and closing music for an episode centering on volatile mobster Ralphie Cifaretto and his troubled stripper girlfriend.

The soundtrack, which follows up another "Sopranos" disc released in 1999, also features a previously unreleased Bob Dylan cover of Dean Martin's 1958 hit "Return to Me," according to a Columbia Records spokesperson. Actor Dominic Chianese, who plays Corrado "Uncle Junior" Soprano on the show, performs the classic Italian love song "Core 'Ngrato," which means ungrateful heart. A reprise of A3's "Woke Up This Morning," which serves as the series' opening theme, is also included.

Dylan, R.L. Burnside, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison return from the first "Sopranos" soundtrack, which featured tracks by Bruce Springsteen ("State Trooper"), Cream ("I Feel Free"), Wyclef Jean ("Blood Is Thicker Than Water") and Little Steven Van Zandt, who plays made man Silvio Dante on the show.

The Sopranos: Peppers & Eggs track listing, according to the album's publicist: Disc 1:

The Police/Henry Mancini - "Every Breath You Take/Theme From Peter Gunn (Mr. Ruggerio's Remix)"
Pigeonhed - "Battle Flag"
The Campbell Brothers with Katie Jackson - "I've Got A Feeling"
Kasey Chambers - "The Captain"
R.L. Burnside - "Shuck Dub"
The Lost Boys - "Affection"
Otis Redding - "My Lover's Prayer"
Madreblu - "Certamente"
Nils Lofgren - "Black Books"
Cake - "Frank Sinatra"
Frank Sinatra - "Baubles, Bangles and Beads"
The Rolling Stones - "Thru and Thru"

Disc 2:

Elvis Costello & The Attractions - "High Fidelity"
The Kinks - "Living on a Thin Line"
Vue - "Girl"
Cecilia Bartoli - Vivaldi's "Sposa son disprezzata"
Ben E. King - "I (Who Have Nothing)"
Bob Dylan - "Return to Me"
Keith Richards - "Make No Mistake"
Jovanotti - "Piove"
The Pretenders - "Space Invader"
Tindersticks - "Tiny Tears"
Van Morrison - "Gloria"
Dominic Chianese - "Core 'Ngrato"
Dialogue From "The Sopranos"
A3 - "Woke Up This Morning"

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Celine Dion Home Video To Feature Sinatra Duet

05 Dec 2000 10:00:00 EST

By Brian Hiatt

Celine Dion is taking a break from recording and performing, but her career will go on in a living room near you, thanks to a new retrospective video release.

"All the Way ... A Decade of Song & Video," available December 12 on VHS and DVD, will include live footage of the Canadian diva performing such hits as "Because You Loved Me," as well as the videos for songs such as "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" and the "Titanic" theme, "My Heart Will Go On." The collection will also feature "All the Way," a posthumous virtual duet with Frank Sinatra from Dion's 1999 CBS television special, according to Epic Records.

The DVD version will include an alternate version of the video for "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," as well as a Dion photo gallery and other special features.

Dion, who announced last year that she was going to put her career on hold for several years, last released the compilation album The Collector's Series, Volume One. The album, released in October, mixes hits with rare tracks from the singer's non-U.S. albums.

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Bono, Mariah, Others Mourn Sinatra As Funeral Plans Announced

18 May 1998 14:00:00 EDT

With funeral arrangements for Frank Sinatra finalized, the world continues to mourn the loss of the legendary singer, and to reflect on what his presence meant to modern culture and music.

Friends and family will say good-bye to Sinatra, a man many cite as the most influential entertainer of the 20th Century, at a private funeral Wednesday in Beverly Hills, while a public ceremony will be staged in his hometown of Hoboken, New Jersey on Monday afternoon.

Sinatra died of a heart attack last week at the age of 82 (see "Legendary Vocalist Frank Sinatra Dead At 82"), and the performer's enduring legacy has been evidenced by the outpouring of emotion from an array of entertainers and world leaders that has followed.

While speaking with our colleagues in MTV Europe on Friday, Mariah Carey said of Sinatra, "I think that he seemed to have lived a very full life. He contributed enormously to American pop culture. It's a sad day because he's an American legend... a worldwide legend, and he's died, but it seems that he lived a very long, full life, and so everybody should celebrate his life." [280k Audio]

"Frank Sinatra was the 20th Century," U2 frontman Bono said in a statement issued late on Friday. The Irish rocker, who sang with Sinatra on his 1993 "Duets" album went on to observe, "He was modern, he was complex, he had swing and he had attitude. He was the boss but he was always Frank Sinatra. We won't see the likes of him again. He was the big bang of pop... the man invented pop music."

Billy Joel also weighed in on Sinatra's loss, saying, "Frank Sinatra's voice expresses more eloquence that I can ever say in mere words."

"One of Sinatra's favorite toasts to make with a glass in hand was, 'May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine,'" singer Tony Bennett recalled. "The master is gone but his voice will live forever."

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese also sounded off, noting, "There will never be another him. You know, he's the idol. He was the original."

Sinatra's voice also touched heads of state, as British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, "Frank Sinatra is one of the greatest performers of this century... I have grown up with Frank Sinatra and he will be deeply missed."

"He of course had his talent, his charisma and his voice, but he also had his personality, warm, passionate," French President Jacques Chirac said echoing the sentiment. "I had the chance to meet him and there was immediate sympathy between us. He will not be replaced."

President Clinton even chimed in, saying, "I think every American would have to smile and say he really did do it his way."

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Bono On Sinatra's Legacy

15 May 1998 10:45:00 EDT

At the 1994 Grammy Awards, Frank Sinatra was presented with a Legends lifetime achievement award. That night, U2 frontman Bono, who sang with Frank on a version of "I've Got You Under My Skin" on Sinatra's 1993 "Duets" album, introduced the singer with what Sinatra called "probably the best introduction I've ever had." Here's how Bono summarized the legacy of Sinatra.

Frank never did like Rock and Roll And he's not crazy about guys wearing earrings either But he doesn't hold it against me And anyway, the feeling is not mutual

Rock and Roll people love Frank Sinatra because Frank has got what we want: swagger and attitude he's big on attitude Serious attitude, bad attitude Frank's the Chairman of the bad Rock and Roll plays at being tough but this guy, well, he's the boss The boss of bosses The man The big bang of pop I'm not gonna mess with him, are you?

Who's this guy that every city in America wants to claim as their own? This painter who lives in the desert, this first-rate, first-take actor This singer who makes other men poets Boxing clever with every word Talking like America Tough, straight-up, in headlines Comin' through with the big stick, the aside, the quiet compliment Good cop, bad cop, all in the same breath You know his story 'cause it's your story Frank walks like America -- cock-sure

It's 1945 and the U.S. Cavalry are trying to get their asses out of Europe, but they never really do They're part of another kind of invasion AFR -- American Forces Radio (sic) Broadcasting a music that'll curl the stiff upper-lip of England and the rest of the world Paving the way for Duke Ellington, the big band, Tommy Dorsey And right out in front... Frank Sinatra His voice as tight as a fist Opening at the end of a bar Not on the beat, over it, playing with it, splitting it like a jazz man, like Miles Davis Turning on the right phrase and the right song Which is where he lives, where he lets go, where he reveals himself His songs are his home and he lets you in But you know that to sing like that you've gotta have lost a couple of fights To know tenderness and romance you've gotta have had your heart broken

People say that Frank hasn't talked to the press, they wanna know how he is, what's on his mind But you know Sinatra's out there more nights than most punk bands Selling his story through the songs Telling and articulate in the choice of those songs Private thoughts on a public address system Generous

This is the conundrum of Frank Sinatra Left and right brain hardly talking Boxer and painter, actor and singer, lover and father, bandman and loner Troubleshooter and troublemaker The champ who would rather show you his scars than his medals He may be putty in Barbara's hands But I'm not gonna mess with him, are you? Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to welcome a man heavier than the Empire State, more connected than the Twin Towers, as recognizable as the Statue of Liberty, and living proof that God is a Catholic! Will you welcome the King of New York City, Francis Albert Sinatra!

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Legendary Vocalist Frank Sinatra Dead At 82

15 May 1998 07:55:00 EDT

Frank Sinatra, the legendary leader of the "Rat Pack" and arguably the greatest entertainer of this century, died of a heart attack Thursday night in Los Angeles at the age of 82.

Sinatra, whose approach to song and style has drawn the adoration of modern artists from Bono (see "Bono On Sinatra's Legacy") to Chrissie Hynde to Hootie and the Blowfish, died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he had been treated several times over the past few years.

Over the course of his almost 50 years in show business, Sinatra evolved from pop music's first swoon-inducing teen idol to a respected vocal stylist to an Academy Award-winning actor.

In the 50's, the singer was also one of the first to approach albums as cohesive works, not merely collections of singles. His releases from moody volumes like "In The Wee Small Hours" and "Only The Lonely" to bouncing romps like "Swingin' Session" and "Come Fly With Me" laid the foundation for concept albums.

The soulful crooner also established himself as he branched out into films, and won an Oscar award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the 1956 film "From Here To Eternity," and appeared in such classic films as "Guys and Dolls," "High Society," "Manchurian Candidate" and "Ocean's 11," which teamed him with the other members of the "Rat Pack," which included Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin.

Sinatra enjoyed his most recent chart success in 1993 with the album "Duets," which debuted on the album charts at number two and featured performances by Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross and Bono, and the performer was honored in 1995 by an all-star concert for his 80th birthday.

Despite his many accomplishments, Sinatra may be best remembered not for what he did, but for how he did it. His swagger and his cocksure ways butted against his tender voice, earning him a reputation as a man who was equal parts lover and fighter. As U2 frontman Bono said when presenting Sinatra with a Lifetime Achievement Award at 1994's Grammy Awards, "Rock and Roll people love Frank Sinatra because Frank has got what we want: swagger and attitude; he's big on attitude. Serious attitude, bad attitude. Frank's the Chairman of the bad. Rock and Roll plays at being tough but this guy, well, he's the boss."

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Frank Sinatra