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Sinatra: Behind the Legend [Hardcover]

J. Randy Taraborrelli (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)


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Book Description

November 1997
The definitive and explosive biography of one of the world's most controversial, fascinating entertainers, Sinatra: The Man Behind the Myth provides new, astonishing details of Sinatra's many tempestuous romances, the first true account of his ties to the underworld, his surprising influence upon American history and in politics, and his connections with such celebrities as Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and the Kennedys. of photos.


Editorial Reviews

Review

...provides entertaining but familiar sketches of the Rat Pack's Romper Room high jinks and of Sinatra's friendship with mobster Sam Giancana. He also alleges that Sinatra had an affair with Jackie Kennedy. The last chapter deals movingly with the deaths of cronies Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jilly Rizzo, as well as the singer's own physical deterioration. -- Entertainment Weekly

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 547 pages
  • Publisher: Carol Publishing Group (November 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 155972434X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1559724340
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 1.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #341,948 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

J. RANDY TARABORRELLI is the author of 16 biographies, many of them New York Times' best sellers, including "Call Her Miss Ross," "Sinatra - Behind the Legend," "Madonna - An Intimate Biography," "Jackie, Ethel, Joan - Women of Camelot" and "Elizabeth." His most recent New York Times' best sellers include "Michael Jackson - The Magic, The Madness, The Whole Story." (2009) and "The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe" (also 2009). He is presently at work on his 17th book.

Taraborrelli is known as the foremost authority on Michael Jackson. He interviewed him and his family members countless times and has written more than one hundred articles about him. When Michael Jackson turned eighteen, Taraborrelli was there to report the story with an exclusive interview. As he did when Michael turned 21. And then 30. When Michael recorded "Thriller," Taraborrelli was in the studio. The author also reported on his first marriage to Lisa Marie Presley and his second to Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of his children. Taraborrelli landed the first interview when Jackson settled molestation charges against him in 1993 and was in the courtroom every day when Michael Jackson was on trial for child molestation ten years later. He anchored Michael Jackson's memorial service with Katie Courice in 2009.

J. Randy Taraborrelli is also a CBS News analyst.

The author lives in Encino, California.


 

Customer Reviews

21 Reviews
5 star:
 (13)
4 star:
 (5)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
 (1)
1 star:
 (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (21 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The best Sinatra biography I've read, February 21, 1999
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This review is from: Sinatra: Behind the Legend (Hardcover)
This is by far, the most well-balanced, interesting, Sinatra biography I have read. It is a must-read for any Sinatra fan, or anyone at all interested in reading a Sinatra biography. The only flaw is that even more details would be desirable (not just the "juicy" type, though there are quite a bit of that type: The details about Sinatra's romances - i have to admit, that made for some very fascinating reading!). There is hardly any information about Sinatra's music and films, but there are other books on those subjects. This is the story of his more private, yet fascinating, life. Some of it is funny, warm and sweet, some of it is shockingly barbaric, and the last few chapters about his deteriorating health are very sad. But what makes this bio different from other Sinatra bio's i've read, is the author neither comes across as an enemy nor a hero-worshipper - just a chronicler of an incredible life. Ultimately, the writer seems to respect Sinatra, as an all-too-human being. This book describes Sinatra's tremendous drive and vitality, his very tender and sensitive side, as well as a temper that had more behind it than mere brutality - he was an extremely complex and emotional man who had great difficulty communicating his true feelings, except in song. This book explains a lot about why and how those complexities developed; perhaps the most fascinating part of the book is Sinatra's long and tempestuous relationship with ava gardner - that subject, in itself, could fill a whole book. I hope that an author with the skill of Mr. Taraborrelli is considering writing a book about Frank and Ava - their story is more amazing, romantic, and dramatic than fiction! The best Sinatra biography, but it is possible that an even better one will be written someday - for now, this is the one, and an excellent read; not a dull page.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Sinatra: A Complete Life Is not all that complete, December 2, 1999
This review is from: Sinatra: Behind the Legend (Hardcover)
Sinatra:Behind the Legened (repackaged as Sinatra: A Complete Life, after the singer's death in May of 1998) has the same failings as Kitty Kelley's infamous 1986 book.

There is much about Sinatra the womanizer, Sinatra the brawler, Sinatra the friend of hoodlums, but comparatively little about Sinatra the musician.

Tabraborelli makes some passing references to various albums and concerts (he makes many errors by the way in discussing these), but the book is long on gossip and short on music.

However, it's breezily written and contains never never published before anecdotes...highlight: the interview with Barry Keenan, the mastermind of Frank Jr's kidnapping.

For those really interested in Sinatra, the musician...check out Will Friedwald's Sinatra: the Song is You and Chuck Granata's forhcoming "Sessions With Sinatra."

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Tops all other Sinatra Bios, August 5, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Sinatra: Behind the Legend (Hardcover)
This is the book that tells it like it really was,no holds-barred. The singer. The actor. The man. A fascinating life story and Frank's life was never dull;whether growing up in Hoboken, breaking into the business in New York or his Hollywood Rat Pack days. Even his difficult times make for a mesmerizing read. Sure the book is a big,long read but remember Frank was in showbiz for 60 years. What a life!
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