Why Do People Hate Frank Sinatra?
Frank Sinatra is one of the most iconic and influential musical artists of the 20th century. Known for his smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence, Sinatra had a legendary career spanning over five decades. However, despite his enormous success, Ol’ Blue Eyes has attracted a fair share of hatred too.
Links to the Mafia Generated Controversy
Sinatra had alleged ties with mafia figures like Sam Giancana and Lucky Luciano early in his career. This led to FBI investigations thatlinked him to organized crime. The House Select Committee on Assassinations also questioned Sinatra regarding his possible knowledge about the assassination of John F Kennedy in 1963.
Though never conclusively proven, these connections tainted his reputation. Many saw his fraternization with mobsters as sinister instead of simple friendships. His critics also accused his Rat Pack friends of exuding arrogance and toxic masculinity.
Table showing details of controversial figures linked to Frank Sinatra:
| Name | Relationship | Controversy |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Giancana | Friend | Chicago Mafia Boss |
| Lucky Luciano | Acquaintance | Genovese Crime Family Head |
| John F. Kennedy | Campaign Supporter and Friend | Assassination Investigation by Congress |
Sinatra’s ties to such notorious characters made him seem suspicious in the public eye. It appeared like he relished moving in such corrupt circles. His cocky public persona did not help matters either.
Did Mafia Ties Help Sinatra’s Career?
Rumors suggest mob connections may have pressured Tommy Dorsey to release Sinatra from an unfair contract in 1943. Some also allege the Mafia strong-armed radio stations in New York to play his music and helped resurrect his career in 1953.
Sinatra dismissed these insinuations but they likely influenced public perception of him. Many saw him as an artist thriving due to mob favors rather than pure talent. His frequent outbursts against the allegations also seemed an overreaction, making him appear defensive.
Impact of the Sinatra Hearings
In 1963, Sinatra had his casino operating license withdrawn following a hearing by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. These Sinatra Hearings investigated his dealings with Chicago crime boss Sam Giancana.
Though Sinatra was cleared of any wrongdoing, these investigations brought his Mafia connections back into focus. It left the impression of him being coarse instead of cultured. The hearings may have permanently damaged his reputation by linking him to organized crime in an official capacity.
Reputation as a Womanizer Put Some People Off
As his fame grew, Sinatra gained notoriety for serial womanizing and tempestuous relationships. His philandering ways while married led wife Nancy to file for separation. She listed his extramarital dalliances as the reason for seeking divorce.
Table showing Frank Sinatra’s high-profile romantic relationships:
| Name | Relationship Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy Barbato | 1939–1951 | Wife, mother of his children |
| Ava Gardner | 1951–1957 | Passionate, turbulent relationship |
| Mia Farrow | 1966–1968 | 30 year age gap caused controversy |
| Barbara Marx | 1976–1998 | Married to final wife for 22 years |
Sinatra had innumerable flings with celebrities and was devoted to womanizing by his own admission. His Las Vegas shows were virtual orgies often filled with participants linked to the mob. State investigators suspected Sinatra of luring women for high-roller patrons at his Cal-Neva Lodge casino.
Sinatra’s On-screen Persona as a Skirt-chasing Rogue
Sinatra’s unsavory off-screen reputation got further amplified by his on-screen image. He frequently played a ladies man involved in messy affairs or displaying chauvinistic tendencies.
His role as a homewrecker in The Tender Trap typified his movie persona as a suave lothario. Films like Pal Joey and Robin and the 7 Hoods had him flanked by beautiful co-stars implying romantic angles. Coupled with real-life escapades, such performances entrenched his playboy image.
Some stellar dramatic roles won him acclaim as a serious actor. But his singing career and subsequent Rat Pack association kept the image of a whisky-drinking, womanizing showman alive. Sinatra’s arrogant manners combined with serial infidelity left him open to criticism in conservative quarters.
Inspiring the Mad Men-era Toxic Masculinity?
In the 1960s, Sinatra was the epitome of the Mad Men-era alpha male with myriad glamorous conquests and finger-snapping authority. His smooth voice, sharp suits, and brazen overconfidence inspired men to emulate that machismo.
Some see that as inspiring chauvinism and misogyny in rat pack acolytes like the boorish Don Draper. This perceived propagation of free-loving unaccountability earned him detractors in more liberal segments too. His associations with the mob combining with licentiousness made him seem emblematic of white male privilege gone rogue.
Sinatra’s Reputed Mob Ties Made Him a Racial Lightning Rod
At the time of Sinatra’s ascent, organized crime held influence over unions, authorities, rackets and showbusiness. Their infiltration into entertainment avenues like Las Vegas made them impossible to ignore for stars seeking gigs in casinos and nightclubs.
Segregation also still existed in several public establishments including hotels attached with performance venues. This made the Rat Pack’s famed 1960 shows at the Sands accused of emboldening the Mafia’s discriminatory hold over Vegas.
Perceived Racial Exclusivity of the Notorious Rat Pack
Sinatra and his legendary crew including Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford and Dean Martin captivated Vegas and then Hollywood as a drink-fueled foursome of singers and comedians. Their wild antics became the stuff of legend but some saw them as a privileged, predominantly white boys club.
Davis was the sole African-American member in their crew and was perennially subjected to racial slurs from the public. Sinatra often made Davis stay in room service during their travels unable to check into white-only hotels. Though progressive for personally championing Davis, Sinatra did minor things like making Davis enter venues via kitchens not front entrances reserved for whites.
Such allowances to racism made Sinatra appear mildly complicit with the racial status quo for his own interests. His credentials as a civil rights champion seemed diluted due to dependence on the mob for organizing high-paying shows and venue access.
Table showing Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack collaborators:
| Name | Ethnicity | Relationship with Sinatra |
|---|---|---|
| Sammy Davis Jr. | African-American | Close friend and singing partner |
| Dean Martin | White | Long time friend, frequent collaborator |
| Joey Bishop | White | Friend, fellow comedian |
| Peter Lawford | White | Member of inner Hollywood circle |
Perceived Hypocrisy on Equality and Embracing Black Music
Sinatra supported racial equality in abstract terms but his concrete actions seemed questionable to some. While he donated money to civil rights groups and made films criticizing racism…he maintained links with mob establishments perpetrating discrimination.
He also liberally embraced elements of black music early in his career. Sinatra is credited with introducing millions of white Americans to rhythmic big band jazz and swing music originating from the African-American community.
But later he lost touch with musical black culture failing to embrace rock n roll, soul or funk unlike contemporaneous vocal groups like the Temptations. This led accusations of him appropriating without acknowledging black musical innovations that formed his own stylistic base.
Sinatra’s Style Created Overexposure Causing Resentment
Sinatra’s friendship with President John F Kennedy and embrace of civil rights softened his problematic image temporarily in the early 1960s. But elements of envy and personality clashes still rankled some peers and public observers leading to antagonism against him.
Superior Attitude as Leader of the Rat Pack
Though other Rat Packers played along…Sinatra exercising a measure of domineering authority over their antics did not always sit well. He often bossed around senior comics like Joey Bishop which led to unease and unspoken resentment.
Frank sometimes derided fellow Italian-American crooner Dean Martin’s singing talent in comparison to himself. Documented episodes exist of their friendship turning temporarily frosty over petty disputes about billing and compensation.
Sinatra’s overbearing attempts to direct Rat Pack shows often caused friction with the original Sands Hotel team. It exemplified underlying tensions between the maverick Pack’s freewheeling style and mandated establishment rules.
Such ego-driven conflicts softened later but illustrated Sinatra rubbing collaborators the wrong way. His arrogant persona sometimes came across as a thin-skinned bully rather than a nonchalant charmer.
Overexposure Causing Boredom among the Public
By 1965 as Beatlemania swept the world, Sinatra’s musical offerings lost relatability with youth audiences. His mannered vocal techniques praising wine, women and song seemed outdated against rock music’s gritty authenticity. The assassination of JFK also removed some of Sinatra’s residual prestige as a Washington insider.
Aging fans nostalgic for the 1940s/50s grew bored of Sinatra evergreen hits on radio lacking contemporary resonance. Sinatra could draw live audiences in Las Vegas but was losing appeal as a radio hitmaker.
Table showing Frank Sinatra’s declining album sales by 1965:
| Year | Album | Certification | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | The Concert Sinatra | Gold | 500,000 copies |
| 1965 | September of My Years | Gold | 900,000 copies |
| 1966 | Strangers in the Night | Platinum | 1 million copies |
| 1968 | Cycles | Gold | 500,000 copies |
Teen sensation and newcomer rock bands rapidly eclipsed his fame and rendered him somewhat passé in the album era as pop tastes transitioned. Corporate rock promoters like Bill Graham also organized massive festivals attracting youth audiences that crooners could not match up to.
Perceived Political Fickleness Damaging Acceptability
By 1970 Sinatra had bounced from staunch JFK confidante to Republican supporter over switched Kennedy family alliances. His campaigning for Richard Nixon after deserting Democrats was viewed as political opportunism by some liberals.
Condemnation by women’s activists over his chauvinistic ways increased amidst second-wave feminism. Sinatra’s macho scion image was out of sync with liberalizing attitudes on gender roles.
This apparent ethical malleability and increasingly uncool records and film roles accelerated his fading from the epicenter of American pop culture post the 1960s. The Rat Pack’s original radical novelty also diminished due to Sinatra’s constant reconvening of the troupe for repetitive lucrative reunions in later years.
Frank Sinatra Had Clear Political Biases
Sinatra offered firm political stances in his songs and public statements that were sometimes at odds with prevailing liberal views. This led strong reactions against his visible Right-wing tilt over time.
Public Friendship with Influential Republicans
Frank Sinatra shared an enduring friendship with Republican president Richard Nixon from the 1940s through the mid-1970s. He socialized and provided financial backing during Nixon’s political ascent.
Their bond persisted despite Sinatra being investigated for links with Sam Giancana during JFK’s campaign. Post the JFK assassination, Sinatra switched affiliation to openly support the Republicans.
Sinatra also hosted Ronald Reagan’s 1981 Inaugural Gala as president. His steadily Right-leaning tone was increasingly at odds with the largely anti-establishment counterculture. It widened the disconnect between Sinatra and liberal youth.
Alienation of Liberal Fans due to Political Outspokenness
In later years, Sinatra made no secret of his dislike for Democrats with derisive nicknames for party icons. He labeled Franklin D Roosevelt ‘Miss Nancy’ while detesting trade union sympathizer Harry Truman as not ‘one of his favorites’.
Sinatra called anti-war protesters ‘bums’ and showed scorn for liberal movements like women’s liberation. His indifference towards rock music icons like The Beatles also came across as conservative cynicism.
Such unpopular stances turned the cultural tide against Sinatra and cost him adulation from audiences once enamored by his vocal talent. His reactionary pronouncements diluted appreciation for his trailblazing musical legacy.
Table showing Frank Sinatra’s affiliations and support of Republican White House administrations:
| President | Era | Nature of Sinatra’s Support |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Nixon | Early Political Career & Presidency 1968 Onwards | Campaign Benefactor & Later White House Guest |
| Ronald Reagan | Governorship and Presidency 1981 Onwards | Public Surrogate & Inauguration Host |
| George Bush Sr. | Vice Presidency & Presidency 1980 Onwards | Celebrity Endorser |
Sexual Assault Allegations Against Sinatra Impacted His Reputation
Apart from rumors of consensual affairs, a few darker claims of sexual abuse have shadowed Sinatra over the years. While inconclusive, they do impact public estimations about his already controversial image.
Mia Farrow’s Claims of Being Drugged and Assaulted
Actress Mia Farrow described a harrowing account in her memoir of being drugged and potentially assaulted by Sinatra during their short-lived marriage. The claims suggested Sinatra and his lawyers coercing Farrow into silence about that abusive incident.
While Farrow’s account remains officially challenged, it cemented the narrative of Sinatra as volatile with sinister treatment of women. His documented controlling behavior and temper governing relationships made the claims seem disturbing and plausible to observers.
Long-standing Hollywood Rumors of Sexual Exploitation
Beyond verified relationships, unproven Hollywood lore paints Sinatra as an infamous womanizer linked with many more famous actresses. Rumored dalliances range from brief affairs to vaguely defined coercive incidents buried under studio pressure.
Such speculation introduced the possibility that his male privilege, wealth and muscle enabled casual exploitation without accountability. Whispers of him promising female newcomers a leg up for sexual relationships opened him up to alleged abuse of power critiques.
Indirect Enabling of Kennedy Brothers’ Infidelities
As a wingman and conduit, Sinatra allegedly enabled President JFK and Attorney General Bobby Kennedy in their numerous marital infidelities. Recently uncovered details suggest Sinatra using hooks with mob associates to source women for Kennedy to tryst with at the Cal-Neva lodge.
If true, it projects Sinatra as an enabler of powerful male chauvinistic behavior. This relatively recent reevaluation of his legacy ties Sinatra to not just personal but wider structural misogyny as well. The depth of his own direct participation remains unclear but the private procuring enabled perceptions cast him as a corruptor profiting from patriarchal systems.
Sinatra Created Enemies through His Arrogant Behavior
Sinatra’s prickly ego and mood swings caused embarrassing public fights and professional bridges burned over petty grievances. His quick temper and abusive behavior turned minor conflicts into ugly scenes creating bitter adversaries.
Infamous Celebrity Feuds Burst into the Public Eye
In April 1947 at Hollywood’s Ciro’s nightclub, Sinatra drunkenly hurled insults at comedians Eddie Cantor and Red Skelton for dissing his acting skills. He famously punched Hearst gossip columnist Lee Mortimer in public for disrespecting his dates. Sinatra even slammed close friend Peter Lawford’s face into the table in 1956 over a perceived slight.
Such crude outbursts painted Sinatra as a brawling boor rather than the smooth sophisticate beloved by bobby-soxer fans. It ruined Sinatra’s initial press as Hollywood’s biggest singing sensation. Worse still, his refusal to apologize widened these rifts fueling criticism.
Blackballing Journalists Who Critiqued Him
Sinatra boycotted major publications like Time and Newsweek through much of the 1950s over negative articles about his career. He even personally phoned editors threatening to withhold insider scoops if they continued besmirching him.
Columnists like Dorothy Kilgallen and Lee Graham who dared report his links with mob figures suddenly found themselves shut out from Sinatra’s good graces. Such pettiness towards the press for basic reportage keeping public figures accountable severely damaged Sinatra’s reputation. It reeked of a thin-skinned diva misusing influence to evade transparency.
Banning the Wrong Fan from Las Vegas Casino Gigs
In September 1967 marines serving in Vietnam published an open letter in Soldiers of Fortune magazine ripping Sinatra for not performing to boost troop morale. When Sinatra spotted marine private Natalino Camche in his Vegas concert crowd soon after, he had Sinatra ejected despite being a fan. Sinatra assumed he was the marine who wrote that angry letter.
That PR fiasco of mistreating an American marine exacerbated Sinatra’s unpopularity when support for the Vietnam War was plummeting. Sinatra’s perceived bullying and pro-establishment persona turned sections of youth firmly against him. He came across less principled and more petty in comparison to anti-war musicians.
FAQs
Did Frank Sinatra have confirmed mafia connections?
While Sinatra’s FBI file confirms investigations and testimonies linking him with mob figures like Sam Giancana, nothing conclusive connects him directly to mafia crimes. He admitted to being friends with such shady figures but categorically denied criminal collusion or seeking big favors.
How did Sinatra treat the women in his life?
Apart from documented mutual infidelities while married to first wife Nancy Barbato, Sinatra’s chauvinistic control over girlfriends like Ava Gardner and Mia Farrow has been chronicled. Actress Farrow accused him of violence and sexual assault during their brief, troubled relationship.
