5 Interesting Facts About Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s voice made him quite possibly the most popular singer of the 20th century, delivering personal lyrics and irresistible melodies with command and flair. He was a tough guy with a softer side, and American audiences simply couldn’t get enough of Ol' Blue Eyes. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Frank Sinatra.

  1. Frank Sinatra was so inspired by Bing Crosby that he dropped out of high school to pursue singing as a career. He performed at local nightclubs in the Hoboken, New Jersey, area and even got some air time on the city’s radio stations.
  2. After noticing his local success, bandleader Tommy Dorsey invited Sinatra to join his band. Sinatra and Dorsey enjoyed two years of hit songs together, but eventually Sinatra quit to pursue a solo career.
  3. In just three short years between 1943 and 1946, Sinatra released 17 Top 10 singles.
  4. In addition to his incredible voice, Sinatra was also a talented actor. He made his film debut in 1943 with the movie Higher and Higher, and in 1953 he won an Oscar for From Here to Eternity.
  5. Though Sinatra was signed to Capitol Records for the beginning of his recording career, he left the label to start his own label, Reprise, in the late 1950s. Warner Bros. bought Reprise, and Sinatra then started his own film production company, Artanis.

Are you a Sinatra fan? Tell us which song by Ol' Blue Eyes is your favorite!

Frank Sinatra [Biography]
Frank Sinatra Biography [Rolling Stone]
About Frank Sinatra [MTV]

5 Fun Facts About Legendary Guitarist Jimi Hendrix

He’s known for his incredible guitar licks, but there’s a whole lot more to know about the fascinating Jimi Hendrix. Here are a few interesting facts about one of the greatest guitarists of all time:

  1. Though his guitar skills are unparalleled, Hendrix had no formal training when he began playing. He taught himself to play guitar as a teenager by listening to blues guitarists at his childhood home in Seattle, Washington.
  2. Jimi Hendrix was left handed, but instead of playing a left-handed guitar, he simply took a standard Fender Stratocaster and played it upside down. Hendrix is also often credited with being one of the first guitarists to master electronic sound effects, like feedback and distortion.
  3. Hendrix joined the army in 1961 with hopes of becoming a paratrooper. He managed to play music even while he was enlisted, forming a band called The King Casuals.
  4. Before branching out on his own, Hendrix was a backup guitarist for Little Richard, Sam Cooke, the Isley Brothers, and other recognizable names.
  5. Hendrix started the Jimi Hendrix Experience in London after his manager, Chas Chandler of the Animals, suggested that he move there. The band became popular among England’s most elite musicians, from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones to The Who.

Jimi Hendrix Biography [Rolling Stone]
Jimi Hendrix [Biography]
Jimi Hendrix [Britannica]

Three Ways to Discover New Music From NPR

National Public Radio is a wonderful resource for music from every type of genre, as well as all over the world. The station features both undiscovered talent and acclaimed, award-winning musicians in a variety of different formats. Check out these NPR music shows and you just may find your new favorite artist.

Mountain Stage
Broadcasted from West Virginia’s beautiful Mountain Stage, a beloved venue for over 25 years, this show features some of the best modern singers and songwriters in a great live setting. It offers performances from acts like Paula Cole, Billy Bragg, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and many more.

World Café
World Café, one of NPR’s most popular music shows, aims to feature the best essential and emerging artists. Hosted by the knowledgeable David Dye and recorded in Philadelphia, the World Café offers interviews and in-studio performances online and on NPR affiliates across the country.

JazzSet
If you’re a fan of the jazz, you’ll look forward to JazzSet every week. Offering performances from today’s best jazz performers from all around the world, this show will help you discover new artists each time you tune in. The NPR website also features full video recordings of each performance.

Public Domain/Public Domain

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