Frank Sinatra “The Song Is You“
The book Frank Sinatra: The Song Is You – A Singer’s Art, written by Will Friedwald and first published in 1995, is one of the most detailed works on Frank Sinatra’s musical career. Unlike many biographies that focus on his personal life, this book emphasizes his artistic evolution, exploring his vocal style, recordings, and impact on 20th-century popular music.
In 2018, Friedwald released an extended, revised, and updated edition with new insights into Sinatra’s musical legacy. This version expands the original analysis, incorporating details on later-discovered recordings and fresh critical studies of his work.
Book Details
Original Edition (1995)
Title: Frank Sinatra: The Song Is You – A Singer’s Art
Author: Will Friedwald
Language: English
Publisher: Scribner
Publication Year: 1995
Pages: 528
ISBN: 978-0684193687
Format: Hardcover and paperback
Genre: Music, biography, music criticism
Extended Edition (2018)
Title: Sinatra! The Song Is You – A Singer’s Art (Updated Edition)
Author: Will Friedwald
Language: English
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Publication Year: 2018
Pages: 592
ISBN: 978-1613737739
Format: Hardcover and digital
Genre: Music, biography, music criticism
This revised and expanded version retains the original book’s focus but incorporates new analyses and updated material on Sinatra’s career.
A Comprehensive Analysis of His Musical Career
Friedwald, a renowned jazz and popular music critic, examines Sinatra’s discography with remarkable depth. He explores his work from his early years with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey in the 1930s and 1940s, through his peak at Capitol Records in the 1950s, to his recordings at Reprise in the following decades.
The book stands out for its technical and critical analysis of songs, arrangements, and the evolution of Sinatra’s interpretative style. Friedwald not only discusses his most famous recordings but also highlights alternate takes, live performances, and lesser-known aspects of his repertoire.
The 2018 extended edition adds new information about Sinatra’s influence in the 21st century, including recent reissues of his catalog, the resurgence of his popularity through digital platforms, and his ongoing impact on contemporary music.
The Role of Arrangers and Musicians
One of the book’s most valuable aspects is the way Friedwald highlights the importance of arrangers and musicians in Sinatra’s career. He delves into the influence of figures such as Axel Stordahl, Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Gordon Jenkins, who each played a crucial role in shaping Sinatra’s sound in different eras.
The author explains how each arranger contributed a unique tone to Sinatra’s performances, from Riddle’s melancholic lyricism to Billy May’s energetic swing. He also details the contributions of session musicians and orchestras that accompanied Sinatra throughout his career.
In the expanded edition, Friedwald includes new perspectives on lesser-known arrangers and uncovers information about rarely discussed recordings, further enriching the understanding of Sinatra’s musical evolution.
A Well-Researched and Critical Perspective
Friedwald does not merely praise Sinatra; he also offers a critical perspective when necessary. He points out artistic decisions he considers less successful, such as certain arrangements or song selections in some Reprise albums. However, his deep respect for Sinatra’s artistry is evident throughout the book.
The book is backed by extensive research, including interviews with musicians, producers, and people close to Sinatra. This provides the reader with a comprehensive and nuanced view of his musical legacy.
The 2018 edition builds on this research with new sources, including recent critical analyses and updated evaluations of Sinatra’s cultural impact.
Conclusion
Frank Sinatra: The Song Is You is an essential read for any Sinatra fan or anyone interested in 20th-century popular music. Its detailed focus on Sinatra’s music and interpretation makes it a unique and valuable work in the literature about the artist.
The extended 2018 edition is even more valuable, updating and expanding the original analysis with fresh perspectives and uncovering lesser-known aspects of Sinatra’s repertoire. While it may be too technical for those looking for a general biography, for jazz and traditional pop enthusiasts, it remains an indispensable reference.
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