Frank Sinatra—The Early Years

Frank Sinatra was the biggest star of his day.  He suffered numerous ups and downs throughout his career.   Yet, how did it all begin? Francis Albert Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915. From all accounts his birth was extremely traumatic and he almost did not survive.  He had a scar on his left ear, Read More

Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin

George Gershwin’s biggest hit almost didn’t happen.  Imagine if the work that established Gershwin as a serious composer never happened. In 1924, George Gershwin was an American composer and pianist, with compositions spanning both the classical and popular sectors.  Together with his brother, Ira, he composed for the Broadway stage.  He penned his first hit, Read More

Louis Armstrong, The Jazz Master

Louis Armstrong was born August 4, 1901 in New Orleans.  He was born into a very poor family and the grandson of slaves.  He credited Joe “King” Oliver with teaching him to play the trumpet by ear.  By the age of eleven, he’d dropped out of school and was singing on the streets for money.  Read More