Being the American Idol fanatic I am, I'll base this week's post on Frank Sinatra (the author of the songbook the contestants on A.I. had to choose from this week). Sinatra is the ruler of swag and is mainly known for his trade mark: 'crooner' music.
Frank Sinatra started out growing up on the streets of Hoboken, New Jersey as a singer in musty little dives (he carried his own P.A. system). He got his first major break in 1935. In 1942, Sinatra instantly found fame as the king of the bobbysoxers, the young women who were his fans. Making appearances on Anchors Aweigh, Magnum P.I., and MUCH more, he quickly became the most popular singer of the era among teenagers.
Sinatra's first album released in 1949, The Voice of Frank Sinatra, and included "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and "On the Town," two very popular songs kids still know today. Sinatra is a multi-oscar winner, major movie-man, artist, singer, dancer, and inspiration. Although Sinatra past in 1998, he is still treasured and remembered as the 'king of cool.'
This week on American Idol, Harry Conick Jr. was the featured mentor. Being best friends with Ellen, he continually played along as she cracked jokes about him. Ellen's always a spirit-lifter on the judging pannel. It's a nice break from Simon and Kara who can't make up her mind...Randy's okay, I suppose. Although, "pitchy", as Harry put it, is getting a little old and is not the correct way to judge a performance.
Frank Sinatra is a genius in music history and will be remembered forever. People today, such as Michael Bublé, still try to copy his swagger but will never live up to the reputation the "king of cool" has obtained.
In loving memory of Sinatra's truly inspiring life,
musicbytori
