A celebration of Sinatra's enduring impact on American entertainment and cultural life.For nearly sixty years, Frank Sinatra [1915-98] triumphed in concert, in the recording studio, on television, and on the big screen, refashioning his image to suit the temper of the times. Sinatra did it "his way," remaining bothelusive and alluring, and appealing to men and women alike. This collection analyzes the qualities that ensured Sinatra's staying power: his impeccable musicality, his charisma, his tough-mindedness, and even his peccadilloes. The contributors to this volume evaluate Sinatra's impact on all areas of entertainment, and examine many of the cultural forces he influenced and was influenced by, including Bing Crosby, Elvis, the "Beats," the Beatles, and Rock 'n' Roll. What emerges is a portrait of an artist, entertainment icon, and legendary symbol of popular culture. This appreciation of the Sinatra phenomenon celebrates his enduring impact on American entertainment and cultural life. Contributors: Blaine Allan, Samuel L. Chell, David Finck, Joseph Fioravanti Jeanne Fuchs, Philip Furia, Roger Gilbert, Ruth Prigozy, Walter Raubicheck, Lisa Jo Sagolla, Ron Simon, Arnold Jay Smith, James F. Smith, Patric M. Verrone, David Wild Jeanne Fuchs is Professor Emerita of Comparative Literature and Languages at Hofstra University; Ruth Prigozy is Professor of English at Hofstra University.

The Musical Skills of Frank Sinatra - David FinckFrank Sinatra's Artistry and the Question of Phrasing - Kathryn CrosbyHanging on a String of Dreams: Delirium and Discontent in Sinatra's Love Songs - Joseph FioravantiJazzin' Sinatra: Three "Understated" Arrangers: George Siravo, Johnny Mandel, and Quincy Jones - Arnold Jay SmithThey Can't Take That Away from Me: Frank Sinatra and His Curious but Close Relationship with the Rock and Roll GenerationGeneration - David WildDick Haymes: Sinatra Stand-In or the Real Thing? - Ruth PrigozySinging in the Moment: Sinatra and the Culture of the Fifties - Roger GilbertFrank Sinatra Meets the Beats - Blaine AllanSinatra in (Lyrical) Drag - Philip FuriaSinatra Meets Television: A Search for Identity in Fifties America - Ronald C. SimonFrank Sinatra and Elvis Presley: The Taming of Teen Idols and The Timex Show - James F. SmithFrank Sinatra: Dancer - Jeanne FuchsDancing to Sinatra: The Partnership of Music and Movement in Twyla Tharp's Sinatra Suite - Lisa Jo SagollaFrom Sam Spade to Tony Rome: Bogart's Influence on Sinatra's Film Career - Walter RaubicheckSinatra Satire: Fifty Years of Punch Lines - Patric M. Verrone