Sinatra: Behind the Legend

The best bio of Sinatra currently available. The author has done his work and talked to many people who knew or worked with Sinatra. Most importantly, the author is objective about his topic and does not insert his personal opinion into the story.

I have read 4 other biographies of frank sinatra and I would say that The current book Sinatra behind the legend, by j randy taraborrelli is by far the most interesting. While other reviewers have criticized this book for having too much of frank sinatras personal life and not enough about his music and movies and other professional aspects of frank sinatras life, for me this is a strength. I know the music and movies by heart, but I found the details of frank sinatras early life and his 4 wives to be very fascinating. There is a lot of interesting information that I did not know, and i really thought i knew everything. There is a lot of detail about Ava Gardner, Mia farrow, and especially Barbara Marx. I also was most intrigued by the fighting between Barbara Marx and the sinatra daughters, like any other family with a stepmother, step children and money issues. There is much material about all 3 sinatra children. I just could not put this book down and I finished it in a few days despite the fact that it is 637 pages of small print, it read like a great novel. This is must reading for any sinatra fan.

Although Frank is the lead, I learned more from his supporting characters. His Hollywood conquests (Ava, Mia, Lauren) always seem to be the headline of his life, but learning about his first wife Nancy was unexpected and rich in content. All hail Nancy, she was a better woman than I could ever be. It had to be something more than her Catholic faith, the children they shared or his financial support that promoted her unwavering support, despite the multiple personal slights. Her love for him spoke volumes about him, as there must have been something of the young Frank from Hoboken that remained for her to continue as his stabilizing force. If she would have given up on him, I probably would have lost interest as well. Without her, he could have become a hollow caricature of the boy who makes it big and loses his soul. A romantic at heart, I think Nancy was his soul. In return, the enduring respect that Frank had for her made me wonder-was Nancy really the one that got away?

A well written biography.

Learned so much about this man. I have the kindle edition, but my husband prefers 'books.' Just had to get it for him so he, too, could enjoy it.

This book was never boring. It gave a great account of Mr. Sinatra's life. Definitely worth reading.

Excellent read!

Enjoyed reading the entire book!

An entertaining and fast read that brings together all the elements you would expect from a “showbiz biography.” In other words, the author stands on the fence of opinion and never falls too hard in either a positive or negative direction while humanizing a music icon. Through detailed research and interviews with Sinatra’s family, cronies, associates and witnesses he has structured an insightful look into a life that experienced the brightest of show business fame and scandalous headlines, while also filled with personal struggles and depression away from the stage and spotlights.
*
The beginning of the book sets this stage for Sinatra’s earliest years growing up in Hoboken, New Jersey. The nationality stereotypes, neighborhood boundaries and inferred class structures placed a giant chip on his shoulders, while a domineering mother enriched him with a sense of entitlement within their small world. The details about Dolly Sinatra are eye opening and fuel the various highs and lows her only son experienced throughout his career and personal life.
*
The latter part of this book seemed a bit disjointed when compared to the excellent beginning. It became a collection of many stories of the adult, famous and flawed Sinatra told in shorter vignettes. Rat Pack members Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and the rest just seemed to appear out of nowhere. Absent were details on how they met and what ignited the fun that made them late night kings of Las Vegas and on call 24/7 to drink, party, sing, chase women and show a generation what it was to be “cool.” But in the long run, that minor detail doesn’t take away from the entertainment factor.
*
Since Frank Sinatra in his prime was a couple generations before my time, it was fascinating to read about his early successes, dedication, frustration and rise to a level of fame that only a very few entertainers have equaled. Along the way his ego and selfish (empowered) attitude left many casualties in his wake including wives and lovers, business partners and members of his inner circle and famous Rat Pack. But because of this stubbornness that again can be traced to his upbringing, he also fell victim to the government and organized crime. But you know what? Ol’ Blue Eyes didn’t seem to care. He did it his way.

Fascinating book! I am only about 1/3rd through it but highly recommend to all Sinatra fans and that's virtually everyone.