Frank Sinatra: The Man, the Music, the Legend [Hardcover]

Jeanne Fuchs (Editor), Ruth Prigozy (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2007

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 both elusive 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 WildBR> Jeanne Fuchs is professor emerita of comparative literature and languages at Hofstra University; Ruth Prigozy is professor of English at Hofstra University.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A kaleidoscopic view of a multi-faceted man, this compendium benefits greatly from its various viewpoints and offers fresh insight into the Sinatra legend. -- Michael Feinstein From musical phrasing to comic strips, this compact but wide-ranging book marks a new stage in an emerging field that must now be called "Sinatra Studies." The variety of perspectives and topics has something to offer everyone who listens to, watches, and thinks about American popular culture. --Jeffrey Magee, associate professor of Musicology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Product Details

• Hardcover: 165 pages
• Publisher: University of Rochester Press; First Edition edition (June 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580462510
• ISBN-13: 978-1580462518
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,147,111 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( S ) > Sinatra, Frank

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Unreadable typscript, January 27, 2008

By 

Richard A. Erle (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frank Sinatra: The Man, the Music, the Legend (Hardcover)

I am 79 and still remember Frank Sinatra singing at the Paramount, his pinkie ring caught in the spotlight. Most of the people upon whom Sinatra left a memorable impact will be in my older or the preceding generation. For us, the miniscule typscript makes reading what is probably a series of fascinating essays very difficult and uncomfortable, and of all the books in creation why did it happen to this one?

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique contribution to Sinatra studies.., July 10, 2010

By 

Jeanne Fuchs - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Frank Sinatra: The Man, the Music, the Legend (Hardcover)

This is an important and serious collection of essays written on one of America's major talents. It gives a well-rounded view of his career and his impact on music, film, and entertainment in general. All of the contributors are experts in their fields, and they glow in the reflected starlight of their principal topic: Frank Sinatra.