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American singer and actor, one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century, renowned as 'The Voice' and 'Ol' Blue Eyes'. Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants. Rose to fame in the early 1940s as a solo artist after leaving the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey bands. Experienced a severe career slump in the early 1950s before making a triumphant comeback, winning an Academy Award for his role in 'From Here to Eternity' (1953) and signing with Capitol Records. Defined the 'swingin' sixties' as leader of the Rat Pack. Continued performing until the mid-1990s. Died in Los Angeles.

• Sinatra's career was nearly destroyed in the early 1950s due to vocal cord hemorrhage, changing musical tastes, extramarital affairs (notably with Ava Gardner), and alleged Mafia connections which cost him his Las Vegas license and recording contract.
• His comeback is legendary: winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor revitalized his film career, and signing with Capitol Records led to a string of classic concept albums ('In the Wee Small Hours', 'Songs for Swingin' Lovers!') that cemented his artistic legacy.
• Sinatra had a notoriously fiery temper and complex personality, capable of great generosity and loyalty to friends, but also fierce vindictiveness towards perceived enemies.
• His marriages were highly publicized: Nancy Barbato (1939-1951, mother of his three children), Ava Gardner (1951-1957), Mia Farrow (1966-1968), and finally Barbara Marx (1976 until his death). His relationship with Gardner was particularly intense and tumultuous.
• Sinatra died at age 82 of a heart attack, with his wife Barbara by his side.