Frank Sinatra, with his smooth baritone and impeccable sense of style, set a benchmark for vocalists across various genres.
While Sinatra’s unique charisma and talent remain unparalleled, several artists have captured the essence of his musicality, each contributing to the legacy of classic crooning and timeless appeal.
Here are ten singers whose artistry resonates with the spirit of Sinatra.
15 Singers Who Captured the Essence of Frank Sinatra
Contents
- 1 15 Singers Who Captured the Essence of Frank Sinatra
- 2 Summary
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 3.1 What distinguishes Frank Sinatra’s singing style from other vocalists of his era?
- 3.2 How did Sinatra’s approach to phrasing influence his musical performances?
- 3.3 Can you explain the role of breath control in Sinatra’s vocal technique?
- 3.4 What made Sinatra’s interpretation of the Great American Songbook unique?
#1 Dean Martin
A contemporary and friend of Sinatra, Dean Martin’s relaxed vocal style and charismatic stage presence made him a natural successor to the Rat Pack’s legacy. Martin’s hits like “Volare” and “That’s Amore” showcase a warmth and charm that echo Sinatra’s appeal.
#2 Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett’s career spans over seven decades, much like Sinatra’s, with a focus on standards, show tunes, and jazz. His ability to convey deep emotion through songs like “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” reflects a commitment to the craft akin to Sinatra’s.
#3 Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole’s smooth voice and skillful piano playing made him a legend in his own right. With classics like “Unforgettable” and “When I Fall in Love,” Cole shared Sinatra’s knack for delivering songs with heartfelt sincerity.
#4 Bobby Darin
Bobby Darin demonstrated versatility across genres, much like Sinatra, moving from rock and roll to big band and jazz with ease. His rendition of “Mack the Knife” stands as a testament to his dynamic performance style and vocal prowess.
#5 Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald, known as the First Lady of Song, possessed a vocal quality and range that could rival Sinatra’s. Her interpretations of the Great American Songbook, particularly her collaborations with Louis Armstrong, showcased a mastery of phrasing and emotion.
#6 Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby’s influence on popular music and his role in developing the crooner style paved the way for artists like Sinatra. His smooth baritone and relaxed singing style in hits like “White Christmas” made him a pioneer in the genre.
#7 Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé is often cited as a modern-day embodiment of Sinatra’s charm and vocal style. Bublé’s performances of standards and original songs alike carry the torch of the crooner tradition into the 21st century.
#8 Harry Connick Jr.
With his New Orleans jazz roots and flair for big band arrangements, Harry Connick Jr. channels the spirit of Sinatra through both his vocal delivery and his prowess as a pianist and bandleader.
#9 Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke, often considered the father of soul music, shared Sinatra’s ability to convey complex emotions with seemingly effortless vocal control. Cooke’s smooth and soulful voice on tracks like “A Change Is Gonna Come” reflects the depth of his artistry.
#10 Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis’s romantic ballads and soft vocal style made him a favorite for love songs and easy listening tracks. His extensive recording career and focus on emotional expression align with the sentimental side of Sinatra’s repertoire.
#11 Mel Tormé
Known as “The Velvet Fog” for his smooth, rich vocal texture, Mel Tormé was a master of jazz singing, much like Sinatra. His interpretations of the Great American Songbook and his ability to effortlessly navigate complex jazz arrangements made him a standout vocalist of his era.
#12 Andy Williams
Andy Williams’ smooth voice and emotive singing made him a household name in the 20th century. With hits like “Moon River,” Williams demonstrated a finesse and warmth in his performances that often drew comparisons to Sinatra’s style.
#13 Vic Damone
Vic Damone’s vocal quality and dedication to the craft of singing earned him high praise, even from Sinatra himself, who reportedly said Damone had “the best pipes in the business.” His performances were marked by a clear, powerful voice and impeccable control.
#14 Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee’s sultry voice and interpretative depth made her one of the most influential jazz and popular singers of her time. Like Sinatra, Lee had an unparalleled ability to tell a story through her music, making every song she sang deeply personal and compelling.
#15 Paul Anka
Paul Anka’s career as a singer-songwriter has seen him pen and perform numerous hits, including the classic “My Way,” famously popularized by Sinatra. Anka’s own performances, characterized by his strong vocal presence and emotional delivery, show the influence of Sinatra’s artistry and the broader crooner tradition.
Summary
Each of these artists, in their unique way, captures the essence of Frank Sinatra’s legacy—whether through their vocal technique, emotional depth, stage presence, or interpretative skills.
While Sinatra’s shoes are impossible to fill, these singers have each carved out their niche, contributing to the enduring appeal of the Great American Songbook and the art of crooning.
Through their work, the spirit of Sinatra’s music continues to influence generations of artists and enchant listeners around the world.=
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes Frank Sinatra’s singing style from other vocalists of his era?
Frank Sinatra’s singing style is distinguished by his impeccable phrasing, exquisite control over his vocal dynamics, and his unique ability to convey emotion through his music. Unlike many vocalists of his era,
Sinatra had a natural talent for interpreting a song’s lyrics in a way that made each performance feel personal and intimate. His use of legato singing and his smooth, baritone voice also set him apart, creating a signature sound that was both powerful and effortlessly controlled.
How did Sinatra’s approach to phrasing influence his musical performances?
Sinatra’s approach to phrasing was revolutionary for its time and significantly influenced his musical performances. He had an innate ability to breathe life into a song by stretching phrases over the bar lines, which allowed him to emphasize certain words or emotions, creating a more conversational and engaging style.
This technique, often likened to a musical instrument’s phrasing, gave Sinatra’s performances a fluid and dynamic quality, enabling him to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Can you explain the role of breath control in Sinatra’s vocal technique?
Breath control played a crucial role in Sinatra’s vocal technique, underpinning his legendary phrasing and dynamic control. Sinatra mastered the art of breath management, allowing him to sustain notes and phrases with remarkable clarity and power without sacrificing the smoothness of his delivery.
This skill not only enhanced the emotional impact of his performances but also contributed to the longevity of his singing career, as it helped prevent strain and damage to his vocal cords.
What made Sinatra’s interpretation of the Great American Songbook unique?
Sinatra’s interpretation of the Great American Songbook was unique due to his profound emotional connection to the lyrics and his ability to convey this emotion to the listener. He delved into each song’s narrative, bringing stories to life through his nuanced and expressive vocal delivery.
Sinatra’s interpretations were marked by his personal touch, as he often imbued songs with a sense of longing, love, or melancholy that felt authentic and relatable. His ability to transform any song into a deeply personal statement made his renditions of the Great American Songbook truly stand out.
