Son of the famous singer, Frank Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr. has been successful in his father's shadow. He has become a singer and songwriter in his own right. His greatest work is the album, As I Remember It, songs by the his father's orchestra.
Born in New Jersey to Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jr. was influenced by his father's famous and successful singing career. His father, however, encouraged him not to go into the music profession because of all the trials and turbulations that went with it. Another negative was the instability of the profession, you either made it or you didn't. Singing along with his father's records, Frank Sinatra Jr. defied his father and began a musical career anyway. Gifted with a singing voice similar to his father's, Frank Sinatra Jr. began singing with the Tommy Dorsey band in 1963.
In December of 1963 Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped and held for ransom. Despite a successful music career, this incident seems to be more of Frank Sinatra Jr.'s claim to fame. Later, as the story developed, the kidnappers stated that the younger Sinatra hired them to kidnap him as a publicity stunt. Despite a branded reputation, Frank Sinatra Jr. continued with his musical career.
As Frank Sinatra's music director, Frank Sinatra Jr. had the advantage of learning his father's style, tone, expressions, delivery and mannerisms. Therefore when Frank Sinatra Jr. released his first album, Young Love for Sale, it contained all the eloquence and style of an Ol' Blue Eyes album. Young Love for Sale was released on the Reprise Record label, owned by Frank Sinatra. A singer in his own right, Frank Sinatra Jr. performed on several television programs during the 70s. Recording on the Daybreak Record label, Frank Sinatra Jr. released the albums Spice, His Way, It's Alright and Billy May for President. His efforts were helped by the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and arranger, composer Billy May. In the 1980s and '90s, Frank Sinatra Jr. has taken to Las Vegas, performing in nightclubs with the Buddy Childers big band.
During his career, Frank Sinatra Jr. has also conducted the orchestra for his father's concerts. This led to an album, As I Remember It. The album is a tribute to the career of Frank Sinatra and includes the orchestra and songs from such notable musicians as Cole Porter, Paul Anka, Hoagy Carmichael, Jerome Kern and Frank Sinatra himself. The album has sold numerous copies due to the unfortunate death of Frank Sinatra in 1998.
Frank Sinatra Jr. had an advantage learning from his father and in doing so has made a name for himself in the music industry. Using his father's resources, he will be known as Frank Sinatra Jr., not just as Frank Sinatra's son. Frank Sinatra will remain a music legend for years to come because of the brilliant arranging and singing of his Frank Sinatra Jr.
- Kim Summers, All Music Guide
