Let me first say that I love Sinatra and I don't know much about history. With that said, I loved reading about his life through the perspective of Pete Hamill. He writes in a way that focuses on the romance of FS's life. The challenge of an Italian singer coming out of the depression and as an American that was not able to serve but wished he could, even if only to prove to the other men in his generation that he was one of them. Or as FS might say, dem. The struggle of a man in love with the night life but seeing the drink and women making a muck of everything. I learned about his use of proper English and his New York flare. About the way he lived with stride and acknowledged his stupidity yet would not be called a hypocrite. About his vulgarity, and yet his deep love of music and the dedication he had to make it. FS's life according to Pete is one that was wonderful to behold and something like a midnight train/ you needed to go see it cross the dark land even if you couldn't ride along. FS grew. From a boy who could sing to a washout that played and danced for his dinner to finally the risen star that developed a history that was dark enough for intrigue but not dark enough to dull out the romance of the midnight hour.I love FS. His swagger. He brash boldness to be him. To be a loser. To be a winner. To hope and continue to hope even as he walked in the rain. His is a life I don't want, its too sad. To full of a regret and hurt I couldn't bear. But whenever his music is playing I can't help to wish I was there with him and the ratpack smoking at one in the morning. Walking out into the rain and heading over to start the show. How could you not? The music followed him. Pete says something along the lines/ there was the top ten, and then there was Sinatra.If you like Sinatra, do your self a favor and read this. You'll like him even more. You'll be able to read something you've always felt while listening to him. Pete Hamill will give you words to better listen to and for the basic principle in all of Sinatra's music, loneliness. You'll read about how this one theme is everything and that Sinatra was always the man either coming out of love or falling into it. Additionally, and I must admit that though it is a plus for the book I do not feel much about it, you'll learn a good deal about the impact FS had on his culture and the way his story and the stories of other Italians like DiMaggio worked together to create a hopeful story for immigrants. With that said, I hope you read and enjoy.
What do You think about Why Sinatra Matters (1998)?
In many ways this is a fine remembrance. But it focuses so heavily on the milieu in which Sinatra grew up, and the impact of all these prejudices and traditions, that one might assume that Frank Sinatra himself played only a minimal role in what he eventually became, the finest male vocalist the nation has ever had. What is almost absent here is the way Sinatra consciously shaped his life, employing his own independent will and genius, making choices that led to greatness. This trendy environmental approach ultimately robs the singer of his stature. The memoir-- it is not really a biography-- skips over much of Frank Sinatra's life and nature. For instance, the author often refers to Sinatra's cruelties and meanness without supplying much evidence or anecdote. Still, this is an earnest and responsible celebration of a remarkable man.
—Richard Wheeler
