Sinatra: A Complete Life by J. Randy Taraborrelli

via Amazon

via Jazz in Photo

via Jazz in Photo

via Jazz in Photo

I really enjoyed this book. That being said, I learned a lot of disappointing things about Sinatra. I also learned a lot of great things about Sinatra. I felt that this book was well researched and well written. The author sited hundreds of sources. He was very good a presenting all sides of a story, telling you what he feels is the truth and then letting you decide.

Sinatra led a very interesting life. He really did do it his way (as his popular song would say). He was married 4 times, had 3 children, was one of the greatest singers the world has ever known, an academy award winning actor, a loyal friend, caused several media scandals and so much more. He was a fascinating man.

As a caution; DO NOT read this book if learning of his down falls will hinder your enjoyment of his music. It's not worth it. Sinatra is an incredible talent, his poor judgement in life doesn't change that.

Sinatra - A No Good Cheat

I am in the process of reading Sinatra: A Complete Life by J. Randy Taraborrelli. I am not very far yet (it's a huge book and I basically only get to read it when I'm eating, walking, before I got to sleep and (even though I shouldn't) 15 minutes to a half hour into my sleep time.

I have already learned all kinds of things about Frank Sinatra that should shatter my adoration of him. For a few hours I was pretty let down reading about how imperfect Sinatra was. I'm sure I've heard these things before but reading a book that includes first hand accounts is different. You might be wondering what things I'm talking about. Sinatra was a womanizer. He was also obsessed with sex (probably a sex addict, my friend pointed out to me). He cheated on his wife, probably hundreds of times. He always felt that it had nothing to do with her and whatever she didn't know won't hurt her, well she always found out and even then he didn't care. Not really the kind of guy you would want to be in a relationship with.

But as I listen to him sing "All The Way" and "Embraceable You" I don't care. For some reason I don't care.

Sinatra via last.fm

I love his voice. I love his acting. I love the performer Frank Sinatra.

What do you guys think? Am I wrong? Should I care more? Should I stop listening to Sinatra because he was a horrid husband and a no good cheat?