What was Frank Sinatra Jr.'s full birth name and professional name?

Frank Sinatra Jr.'s full birth name was Francis Wayne Sinatra, though he was professionally known as Frank Sinatra Jr. His father's middle name was Albert, making the 'Jr.' a professional designation rather than a direct junior title.

When and where was Frank Sinatra Jr. born, and when and where did he die?

Frank Sinatra Jr. was born on January 10, 1944, in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. He died on March 16, 2016, at the age of 72, in Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.

What were Frank Sinatra Jr.'s primary occupations?

Frank Sinatra Jr. was primarily known as an American jazz and big band singer, songwriter, and conductor. He also had acting credits.

Who were Frank Sinatra Jr.'s parents and siblings?

Frank Sinatra Jr. was the son of renowned singer and actor Frank Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy Barbato Sinatra. He was the younger brother of singer and actress Nancy Sinatra and the older brother of television producer Tina Sinatra.

What musical genres was Frank Sinatra Jr. associated with?

Frank Sinatra Jr. was associated with the jazz and big band musical genres.

What was Frank Sinatra Jr.'s early ambition?

From his earliest days, Frank Sinatra Jr. recalled wanting to become a pianist and songwriter.

When and where was Frank Sinatra Jr. kidnapped?

Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped on December 8, 1963, at the age of 19, from Room 417 of Harrah's Lake Tahoe.

What was the ransom amount paid for Frank Sinatra Jr.'s release?

Frank Sinatra Jr. was released after his father paid a ransom of $240,000, which is equivalent to approximately $2,460,000 in 2024. His father had offered $1 million, but the kidnappers declined the larger sum.

Who were the individuals involved in the kidnapping of Frank Sinatra Jr.?

The kidnappers involved in the abduction of Frank Sinatra Jr. were Barry Keenan, Johnny Irwin, and Joe Amsler.

What was the legal outcome for Barry Keenan, the mastermind of the kidnapping?

Barry Keenan, the mastermind of the kidnapping, was captured, prosecuted, and convicted, receiving a long prison term. However, he was later adjudged to have been legally insane at the time of the crime, meaning he was not held legally responsible for his actions.

How did the kidnapping affect Frank Sinatra Sr.'s habits?

Due to the kidnappers' demand for communication via payphone, Frank Sinatra Sr. became concerned about having enough coins. This led him to carry 10 dimes with him at all times for the rest of his life, and he was even buried with 10 dimes in his pocket.

What impact did the kidnapping have on Frank Sinatra Sr.'s film production?

At the time of the kidnapping, Frank Sinatra Sr. and the Rat Pack were filming *Robin and the 7 Hoods*. The stress of the kidnapping, combined with the recent assassination of his close friend John F. Kennedy, caused Sinatra Sr. to seriously consider shutting down production, though the film was ultimately completed.

When did Frank Sinatra Jr. begin his professional performing career?

Frank Sinatra Jr. began performing at local clubs in his early teens and became the vocalist for Sam Donahue's band at the age of 19.

What significant musical figure did Frank Sinatra Jr. spend time with to learn the music business?

Frank Sinatra Jr. spent considerable time with Duke Ellington, learning about the music business from the legendary jazz composer and bandleader.

What was Frank Sinatra Jr.'s reputation as a performer and bandleader by 1968?

By 1968, Frank Sinatra Jr. had performed in 47 states and 30 countries, appeared on several television shows, hosted a summer replacement series for *The Dean Martin Show*, and sung with his own band in Las Vegas casinos. He gained a reputation for rigorous rehearsals and demanding high standards for his musicians.

What were some of Frank Sinatra Jr.'s acting credits?

Frank Sinatra Jr.'s acting credits included roles in the Sammy Davis Jr. drama *A Man Called Adam* (1966), playing a disturbed man in *Adam-12* (1974), *Aru heishi no kake* (1970), *Code Name Zebra* (1987), and *Hollywood Homicide* (2003).

What was the 15-minute song and monologue composed by Frank Sinatra Jr. in 1976?

In 1976, Frank Sinatra Jr. composed a 15-minute song and monologue titled 'Over the Land,' which evokes the memory of the U.S. flag and the nation's experiences with it since the War of 1812. This composition is now housed in the United States National Archives.

Why did Frank Sinatra Jr. put his career on hold starting in 1988?

Starting in 1988, Frank Sinatra Jr. placed his own career on hold at his father's request to act as his father's musical director and conductor.

What was Rod McKuen's perspective on Frank Sinatra Jr. becoming his father's musical director?

Poet/vocalist Rod McKuen believed that as the elder Sinatra grew frail and outlived his conductors and arrangers, his son knew he needed a trusted person nearby. McKuen also noted that Frank Jr. understood the importance of performing to his father's vitality and life.

What album did Frank Sinatra Jr. contribute to with the band Was (Not Was)?

In 1989, Frank Sinatra Jr. sang 'Wedding Vows in Vegas' on the Was (Not Was) album, *What Up, Dog?*, and performed the song live on *Late Night with David Letterman*.

What role did Frank Sinatra Jr. turn down on *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine* and why?

During the 1997–1998 television season, Frank Sinatra Jr. was offered the role of Vic Fontaine on *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*. Despite being a fan of the show and finding the role interesting, he turned it down, stating that he only wanted to play an alien character.

What were some of Frank Sinatra Jr.'s notable television guest appearances?

Frank Sinatra Jr. guest-starred in two episodes of *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour* with his sister Nancy, appeared in *Son of the Beach* playing the villain Stink Finger, had a guest spot playing himself in *The Sopranos* episode 'The Happy Wanderer,' and appeared in three episodes of *Family Guy*.

What album did Frank Sinatra Jr. release in 2006?

In 2006, Frank Sinatra Jr. released the album *That Face!*, which included the songs 'You'll Never Know' and his self-penned song 'Spice'.

What national events did Frank Sinatra Jr. perform at in 2014 and 2015?

Frank Sinatra Jr. sang 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at Yankee Stadium on August 17, 2015, and performed the 'Theme from New York, New York' at the 2014 Belmont Stakes.

What was Frank Sinatra Jr.'s last known studio session and what recognition did it receive?

Frank Sinatra Jr.'s last known studio session was his performance of 'I've Been Around' with Tierney Sutton on Patrick Williams' 2015 CD *Home Suite Home*. This recording earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.

What film featured Frank Sinatra Jr.'s song 'Black Night'?

Frank Sinatra Jr.'s self-written and sung song 'Black Night' was used as the theme song for Rick Alverson's 2015 feature film *Entertainment*, starring Gregg Turkington and John C. Reilly.

When did Frank Sinatra Jr. marry and divorce Cynthia McMurry?

Frank Sinatra Jr. married Cynthia McMurry on October 18, 1998, and they divorced on January 7, 2000.

What health issue did Frank Sinatra Jr. undergo surgery for in 2006?

In January 2006, Frank Sinatra Jr. underwent surgery for prostate cancer.

What was the cause of Frank Sinatra Jr.'s death?

Frank Sinatra Jr. died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest while on tour in Daytona Beach, Florida.

How many children were acknowledged in Frank Sinatra Jr.'s obituary, and how many others claimed parentage?

One known son of Frank Sinatra Jr. was acknowledged in his obituary and other references, but three other children unacknowledged by him also claimed his parentage.

How did Frank Sinatra Jr. perceive the influence of his famous name on his career?

Frank Sinatra Jr. stated that while his famous name opened some doors, it also meant he had to work 'three times harder than the guy off the street' to prove himself.

What did music critic Richard Ginell say about Frank Sinatra Jr.'s musical talent?

Music critic Richard Ginell praised Frank Sinatra Jr.'s musical talent, noting his depth of experience in big band music, his knowledge of the classic American songbook, and his ability to invest songs with real feeling, style, and personality.

What songs did Frank Sinatra Jr. compose?

Frank Sinatra Jr. composed several songs, including 'Spice,' 'Believe in Me,' 'Black Night,' 'What Were You Thinking?,' and 'Missy'.

What was Frank Sinatra Jr.'s debut studio album?

Frank Sinatra Jr.'s debut studio album was *Young Love For Sale*, released in 1965 on Reprise Records.

Which album featured Frank Sinatra Jr. on four tracks as part of a family collaboration?

Frank Sinatra Jr. contributed four tracks to *The Sinatra Family Wish You a Merry Christmas*, an LP released on Reprise in 1968.

What were some of the record labels Frank Sinatra Jr. released music on?

Frank Sinatra Jr. released music on several labels, including Reprise Records, Daybreak Records, Churchill Records, USA Music Group, Angel Records, and Rhino Entertainment.

On which albums did Frank Sinatra Jr. feature with Pat Longo's Super Big Band?

Frank Sinatra Jr. was featured with Pat Longo's Super Big Band on the albums *Billy May For President* (1983) and *Here's That Swing Thing* (1991).

What was the title of Frank Sinatra Jr.'s 1996 CD release?

In 1996, Frank Sinatra Jr. released the CD titled *As I Remember It* on Angel Records.

Which artists did Frank Sinatra Jr. perform as a guest on their albums?

Frank Sinatra Jr. made guest performances on albums by Dora Hall (*Once Upon a Tour*, 1971), Was (Not Was) (*What Up, Dog?*, 1989), Frank Sinatra (*Duets II*, 1994), Louise Baranger Jazz Band (*Trumpeter's Prayer*, 1998), Steve Tyrell (*Songs of Sinatra*, 2005), and Patrick Williams (*Home Suite Home*, 2015).

What was Frank Sinatra Jr.'s final screen appearance?

Frank Sinatra Jr.'s final screen appearance was in the *Family Guy* episode 'Bookie of the Year' (Season 15, Episode 2), which aired posthumously on October 2, 2016, and was dedicated to his memory.

Frank Sinatra Jr. Wiki: Echoes of a Legacy: The Enduring Artistry of Frank Sinatra Jr.

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Early Life & Formative Years

A Name and a Legacy

Francis Wayne Sinatra, professionally known as Frank Sinatra Jr., was born on January 10, 1944, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He was the son of the iconic singer and actor Frank Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy Barbato Sinatra. Despite his father's middle name being Albert, Francis Wayne was consistently known as "Frank Jr." throughout his life. He was the younger brother to singer and actress Nancy Sinatra and the elder brother to television producer Tina Sinatra. Growing up, his father's demanding career meant frequent absences, leading young Frank Jr. to rarely see him.

Aspiring Musician

From his earliest recollections, Sinatra Jr. harbored a deep desire to become a pianist and songwriter. This early inclination set the stage for a career that would see him not only perform but also compose and conduct, demonstrating a profound dedication to the musical arts that extended beyond merely inheriting a famous name.

The Kidnapping Ordeal

On December 8, 1963, at the age of 19, Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped from his room at Harrah's Lake Tahoe. He was held for ransom and released two days later after his father paid $240,000 (equivalent to approximately $2.46 million in 2024). Intriguingly, the kidnappers declined an initial offer of $1 million. The perpetrators—Barry Keenan, Johnny Irwin, and Joe Amsler—were swiftly apprehended, convicted, and sentenced to prison, though they served only brief terms. Keenan, the mastermind, was later deemed legally insane at the time of the crime.

The kidnappers insisted on communication via payphone, leading Frank Sinatra Sr. to carry ten dimes with him for the rest of his life, a practice so ingrained that he was buried with them.
The stress of the kidnapping, coupled with the recent assassination of President John F. Kennedy, led Sinatra Sr. to consider halting production of his film, Robin and the 7 Hoods, though filming ultimately continued.

A Distinguished Career

Ascending the Musical Stage

Sinatra Jr. began performing in local clubs during his early teenage years. By 19, he had become the lead vocalist for Sam Donahue's band. His formative musical education also included significant time spent with the legendary Duke Ellington, from whom he gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of the music industry. His early career was characterized by extensive touring, performing in 47 states and 30 countries by 1968. He quickly earned a reputation for his meticulous rehearsals and high standards for his accompanying musicians.

Ventures into Acting

Beyond his musical endeavors, Sinatra Jr. explored acting, appearing in various film and television productions. His credits include a role in the Sammy Davis Jr. drama A Man Called Adam (1966) and a recurring part as Officer Tom Boyd in three episodes of the crime drama Adam-12, with his final appearance in the series serving as an unaired pilot for a Mark VII Limited series. He also featured in films such as Aru heishi no kake (1970), Code Name Zebra (1987), and Hollywood Homicide (2003).

Conductor and Musical Director

In 1988, at his father's personal request, Frank Sinatra Jr. put his own performing career on hold to serve as his father's musical director and conductor. This role was a testament to his profound musical knowledge and his father's trust in his abilities. Poet and vocalist Rod McKuen observed that Sinatra Jr. understood the critical importance of performance to his father's vitality, recognizing that maintaining that connection with his audience would prolong his father's active life.

Notable Appearances & Recordings

Sinatra Jr.'s career also featured diverse guest spots and recordings, showcasing his versatility.

1989: Sang "Wedding Vows in Vegas" on the Was (Not Was) album What Up, Dog?, performing it live on Late Night with David Letterman.
1997-1998: Declined the role of Vic Fontaine on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, preferring to play an alien, a role later accepted by James Darren.
2000: Guest-starred as himself in The Sopranos episode "The Happy Wanderer," humorously acknowledging public perceptions of his family's connections.
2202: Appeared in Son of the Beach as the villain "Stink Finger," for which he also sang the theme song.
2006: Released the album That Face!, featuring "You'll Never Know" and his self-penned "Spice."
2007-2016: Made multiple appearances on Family Guy, performing several tunes and even the theme song for the ending credits. His final screen appearance was in the posthumously aired episode "Bookie of the Year" (2016).
2010: Made cameo appearances in the CBS legal comedy-drama The Defenders.
2014-2015: Performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Yankee Stadium and the "Theme from New York, New York" at the 2014 Belmont Stakes.
2015: His collaboration with Tierney Sutton on Patrick Williams' CD Home Suite Home, performing "I've Been Around," earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
2015: His self-written and sung song "Black Night" was used as the theme for Rick Alverson's feature film Entertainment.

Personal Life & Final Years

Marriage and Health

Frank Sinatra Jr. married Cynthia McMurry on October 18, 1998, a union that concluded in divorce on January 7, 2000. In January 2006, he underwent surgery for prostate cancer, a personal health challenge he faced with resilience.

Passing and Family

On March 16, 2016, while on tour in Daytona Beach, Florida, Frank Sinatra Jr. unexpectedly passed away at the age of 72 due to cardiac arrest. The Sinatra family released a statement confirming his death. He was survived by one acknowledged son, though reports also indicated that three other individuals claimed his parentage, a testament to the complexities of his private life.

Critical Acclaim & Perspective

Navigating a Famous Name

Sinatra Jr. often reflected on the dual nature of his famous surname, acknowledging that while it opened certain doors, it also imposed a significant burden. He famously stated that "a famous father means that in order to prove yourself, you have to work three times harder than the guy off the street." This sentiment underscores the unique challenges he faced in establishing his own artistic identity and merit.

A Critic's Appreciation

Music critic Richard Ginell, in a review of a 2003 concert, lauded Sinatra Jr.'s profound contributions to music. Ginell remarked that while a career in real estate might have been an easier path, his choice to pursue music was a fortunate one for audiences. He highlighted Sinatra Jr.'s extensive experience in big band music, his deep understanding of the classic American songbook, and his exceptional ability to imbue lyrics with genuine feeling, style, and personality.

Musical Contributions

Composed Works

Frank Sinatra Jr. was not only an interpreter of songs but also a composer, contributing his own creative voice to the musical landscape. His original compositions include:

"Spice"
"Believe in Me"
"Black Night"
"What Were You Thinking?"
"Missy"

Discography Highlights

Throughout his career, Frank Sinatra Jr. released several albums and made notable guest appearances, showcasing his talent in jazz and big band genres.

Studio Albums:

Young Love For Sale (Reprise Records, 1965)
The Sinatra Family Wish You a Merry Christmas (Reprise, 1968) – 4 tracks
Spice (Daybreak Records, 1971)
His Way! (Daybreak, 1972)
It's Alright (Churchill Records, 1977)
Pat Longo's Super Big Band featuring Frank Sinatra Jr. – Billy May For President (Townhall Records, 1983)
Pat Longo's Super Big Band featuring Frank Sinatra Jr. – Here's That Swing Thing (USA Music Group, 1991)
As I Remember It (Angel Records, 1996)
That Face! (Rhino Entertainment, 2006)

Guest Performances:

Dora Hall – Once Upon a Tour (1971)
Was (Not Was) – What Up, Dog? (1989)
Gumby (1989)
Frank Sinatra – Duets II (1994)
Louise Baranger Jazz Band – Trumpeter's Prayer (1998)
Steve Tyrell – Songs of Sinatra (2005)
Patrick Williams – Home Suite Home (2015)

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Frank Sinatra Jr." Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about frank_sinatra_jr. while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

navajo nation

gold coast airport

norris cotton

politics of the faroe islands

university of minnesota press

colony of virginia

References

Hentoff 2009, p. D5 "... [Duke Ellington] took me under his wing."

Frank Sinatra Jr. on Late Night With David Letterman singing "Wedding Wows in Vegas" on YouTube, March 23, 1989

A full list of references for this article are available at the Frank Sinatra Jr. Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, biographical analysis, or entertainment industry expertise. Always refer to primary sources, reputable biographies, and academic works for comprehensive and verified information. Never disregard professional insights because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Echoes of a Legacy: The Enduring Artistry of Frank Sinatra Jr.

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life & Formative Years 👶

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Name and a Legacy

🎹 Aspiring Musician

⛓️ The Kidnapping Ordeal

A Distinguished Career 🎤

🎼 Ascending the Musical Stage

🎬 Ventures into Acting

指揮 Conductor and Musical Director

📺 Notable Appearances & Recordings

Personal Life & Final Years ❤️‍🩹

💍 Marriage and Health

🕊️ Passing and Family

Critical Acclaim & Perspective 🌟

🎭 Navigating a Famous Name

📝 A Critic's Appreciation

Musical Contributions 💿

✍️ Composed Works

📀 Discography Highlights

Studio Albums:

Guest Performances:

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life & Formative Years

A Name and a Legacy

Aspiring Musician

The Kidnapping Ordeal

A Distinguished Career

Ascending the Musical Stage

Ventures into Acting

Conductor and Musical Director

Notable Appearances & Recordings

Personal Life & Final Years

Marriage and Health

Passing and Family

Critical Acclaim & Perspective

Navigating a Famous Name

A Critic's Appreciation

Musical Contributions

Composed Works

Discography Highlights

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice