What Frank Said.
In 1957, Rock ‘n Roll was in its infancy, and, to be honest (with 20/20 hindsight) it often showed. Still, as a pre-teen, I positively loved it.
Frank Sinatra, a teen idol of the 40’s, having been somewhat smothered by the Rock ‘n Roll phenomenon back then didn’t think much of the “new music.†He shared his feelings on the subject in 1957 in a magazine called Western World:
My only deep sorrow is the unrelenting insistence of recording and motion picture companies upon purveying the most brutal, ugly, degenerate, vicious form of expression it has been my displeasure to hear and naturally I’m referring to the bulk of rock ‘n’ roll.
It fosters almost totally negative and destructive reactions in young people. It smells phony and false. It is sung, played and written for the most part by cretinous goons and by means of its almost imbecilic reiterations and sly, lewd – in plain fact – dirty lyrics, it manages to be the martial music of every sideburned delinquent on the face of the earth.
Pretty heavy stuff, no?
Fact is, back then I disliked Frank Sinatra’s music about as much as he apparently disliked Rock ‘n Roll. I thought he represented music for old farts – the stuff my parents liked. He was, to use the then-popular term, a “square.†(Yes, I’m old enough to remember when people used to say that.)
Of course, in time, Rock ‘n Roll matured, and Frank Sinatra paid attention:
In time, I matured as well, and much as dry wine is an acquired taste, so it is with Frank Sinatra. These days I find myself dumbstruck by his talent, and I marvel at his mastery of song.
Then again, maybe it’s just because I have reached Old Fartdome status.
Doo-be-doobie-doo.
Linked by Doug Ross. Thanks!
I prolly feel the same way about Rap that he felt about Rock ‘n Roll, but I don’t see my feeling changing…
Comment by Bou — June 27, 2011 @ 10:22 pm
I felt similarly until my freshman year in college. My roommate was an army vet whom we all sort of looked up to. He would play Sinatra’s “Nice and Easy” album on occasion. When we at first objected he told us it was the best make-out music in the world, and to try it. That was enough for us. And he was right (prolly still is too). I still have the album I went out and bought – for $3.95.
Comment by TRKOF — June 27, 2011 @ 10:24 pm
I too have entered Old Fartdome.I miss that old time rock ‘n roll,and I miss Frank.I too learned to appreciate him very much.Isn’t rap pure horseshit?I wish they would keep shooting each other until none of them are standing.Shoo be doo bwap bwa da.
Comment by john — June 27, 2011 @ 10:31 pm
I can’t get enough of Frank’s music. Most of it. Some of it puts me to sleep. But, the guy could swing and no one has mastered his timing, phrasing and inflection. I love the fact that he produced Ronald Reagan’s inaugurial (sp?) ball.
Comment by Lee — June 28, 2011 @ 1:52 am
I also hated Frank Sinatra`s music as a teenager……now a certified old fart, I believe you are only as young as you feel, I still hate Frank Sinatra`s music. Long live grass roots rock & roll ….this does not include Motown,Bubblegum Rock or Rap which also suck!
Comment by dudley1 — June 28, 2011 @ 8:09 am
Only three singers in my listening history have had perfect phrasing…
Sinatra, Nat Cole and kd lang.
Comment by gregor — June 28, 2011 @ 8:30 am
I agree on Nat King Cole but …….The Trashmen who recorded the legendary “The Bird is the Word ” certainly out shined anything KD Lang sang & most of Old Blue Eyes offerings . BWAHAHAHAHA….OK, I am kidding about Old Blue Eyes, but KD Lang could not hold a candle to Barbra Striesand as to talent even if Barbra is a douche bag & uglier then a mud fence out front of an Adobe Whore House in Mexico.
Comment by dudley1 — June 28, 2011 @ 1:00 pm
I agree ,have listened to all types of music for years .I’m turning 60 soon and just bought my 1st Frank Sinatra CD (reprise records-greatest hits).It is wonderful !
Comment by tom — June 28, 2011 @ 1:09 pm
Ah, Frankie!
Comment by Jerry in Texas — June 29, 2011 @ 12:54 am
Dudley, Bab’s was a performer… kd lang is a singer. Listen to her “Angel with a Lariat” album, if nothing else.
Comment by gregor — June 29, 2011 @ 8:06 am
Babs screams everything. kd croons the tunes.
Comment by Jean — June 29, 2011 @ 9:40 am
They called Frank a crooner. I always he was a shouter.
No lilt in his voice. He hollered out his music.
Now Dean Martin….there was a crooner, not to mention Der Bingo.
Comment by Little Willie — June 30, 2011 @ 9:47 am