Frank Sinatra The Greatest Singer Of All Time?

Francis Albert Sinatra – the man, the myth, the legend. One of the most famous artists of the 50s-60s, with songs featured in some of the biggest movies. Sinatra’s impact on modern culture and entertainment is second to none. Very few could ever reach his level of fame and influence, especially in the music scene.

Frank Sinatra might be the greatest singer of all time. His smooth voice, emotional singing, undeniable charisma and perfect style made his songs unforgettable, and cemented his legacy as a true music legend.

This is my second post on the The Greatest Singer Of All Time series, the first one was about Freddie Mercury, if you want to check it.

What Sets Frank Sinatra Apart

Frank Sinatra had a unique ability to turn every song into a personal story. A story you could relate to, really feel and experience like it was your own. Maybe it was his smooth voice, or perfect timing, or maybe the secret lies in Frank’s sincere and heartfelt delivery. Whatever it was, but Sinatra definitely got that illusive X factor others could only dream of.

Unlike many singers, Sinatra didn’t just perform songs, he lived them. You can literally hear every detail and every emotion in his voice. This rare authenticity combined with exceptional technical skill is what sets him apart from even other greats in music history. Here’s a couple of songs that showcase it:

And of course, there’s Frank Sinatra musical style. Style that has been characterized as pop, easy listening, jazz, swing. Whatever label you want to put on it, the fact is – this style ages like fine wine, it doesn’t become outdated. It’s just timeless. Music scene changes, trends come and go, but when you put Frank’s songs on, they always feel appropriate.

Another thing that makes Frank stand out, is that he was involved in so many fascinating events during his life. We could talk for hours about his alleged connections with mafia bosses, his friendship with President John F. Kennedy, his complicated character and infamous mood swings, his acts of kindness towards friends and colleagues, his charitable deeds, or his efforts to battle social inequality. All these stories are a part of his legend, they make his character even more interesting.

Frank Sinatra’s Legendary Fame

Frank Sinatra’s fame wasn’t limited to music. In his heyday he dominated multiple areas of entertainment, from hit records to movies and even television specials.

Some of the biggest movies ever made feature his music. Here’s a list of films you might know: Joker (2019), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Rocky Balboa (2006), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Goodfellas (1990).

Also there’s something to be said about his fanbase. While his early fans in 1940s were often made of teenagers, this changed as his career progressed. Older audience got charmed by his style later on. His music started to be synonymous with class, which never goes out of fashion. Even today it’s hard to find a music fan who doesn’t know about Frank Sinatra, or hasn’t heard at least some of his songs.

Comparison With Other Greats

In the conversation about the greatest singers names like Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, or Michael Jackson come up. Well, Frank Sinatra stands out even among these legends. They did bring genres like rock ‘n’ roll, or smooth jazz, or contemporary pop to the mainstream. But Sinatra mastered the art of timeless storytelling. It’s like he developed his own genre that defines time.

I’m sure 50 or 100 years from now (if humanity actually makes it that far) people will still be listening to Frank Sinatra. Because the emotion he could deliver is something that is an integral and constant part of us, it won’t go away.

The Subjectivity of “The Greatest Singer”

Yes, calling Frank Sinatra the greatest singer of all time comes down to personal taste – I’ll be the first to admit this. While his velvety voice and genuine emotional delivery are unmatched for many, I realize that others might prefer the rock’n’roll swagger of Elvis Presley, or the soulful performances of Aretha Franklin. And it’s fine, that’s the beauty of music, because there’s something special for everyone. But Sinatra’s effortless charisma and vocal perfection are undeniable.

Any while we are discussing subjectivity, here’s a list of Frank Sinatra’s Best Songs:

Is this songs list subjective? Maybe. Does it make it any less? Absolutely not! These are undeniable 20 incredible hits every music fan should check.

Conclusion

Is Frank Sinatra the greatest singer of all time? I certainly would not mind if that was a generally excepted opinion, because Frank 100% deserves the spot. Just like other titans of music I mentioned in the article, his figure is indeed larger than life. He is one of the most iconic and influential artists ever.

Rolling Stone’s 200 Best Singers Of All Time in 2023 has Frank at 19th place. Do I agree with them? Not really, especially when I see who they placed above him. But at lest they did put him in the list 😄