How Much Do You Know About The Sultan Of Swoon?
Frank Sinatra was one of America's first teen idols. Long before the Swifties or even Beatlemania, there were his Bobby Soxers. However, he was much more than just a pretty face with piercing blue eyes and a voice like chocolate. Here are five facts about Ol' Blue Eyes you may not have known.
William P. Gottlieb on Wikimedia
1. He Was A Civil Rights Activist
Frank Sinatra was a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights movement in the US. He influenced his Rat Pack to boycott hotels and casinos that discriminated against Black people.
Distributed by ABC. Photographer unknown. on Wikimedia
2. He Was Musically Illiterate
Frank Sinatra couldn't read sheet music, meaning he had to rely on his remarkable musical ear and keen instinct. He famously claimed that conveying the emotions of a song was more important.
3. He Was A Clean Freak
Frank Sinatra really, really liked being clean. In her memoir, his widow said that he would shower up to 12 times every single day and also maintained impeccable teeth, hair, and nails.
George Hurrell for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer on Wikimedia
4. He Attempted Suicide Many Times
Sadly, Frank Sinatra attempted to end his own life more than once. The first time was in the 1950s when he was feeling washed-up, and then later on because of his tumultuous relationship with Hollywood star Ava Gardner.
5. His High School Nickname Was Scarface
When he was born, Frank Sinatra had to be taken out of his mother's womb with forceps. These left scars on the left side of his face, earning him the nickname "Scarface" as a teenager. He later used makeup to cover up the scars, but he still avoided being photographed on that side.
