Frank Sinatra + Bing Crosby Flashcards
Give key details about Frank Sinatra
Name: Frank Sinatra
Born: December 12, 1915
Died: May 14, 1998
- one of the best-selling music artists of all time
- singer + film actor
- influenced the development of popular music + jazz
- began career in swing era with Harry James + Tommy Dorsey
- launched solo career in early 1940s
- 1950s Capitol Records albums set new standards for album production
- moved to Reprise Records in 1960
- part of ‘rat pack’ (made films + comedy acts)
- politically active
- links to mob/mafia
Give the stylistic characteristics of Frank Sinatra
- smooth, baritone voice
- chest + head voice
- precise intonation
- conversational phrasing + emotional expression
- interpreted lyrics with deep understanding
- pulls rhythm
- scat singing
- vibrato
- worked with top arrangers (Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Gordon Jenkins) to create lush + sophisticated accompaniments
Give the historical context + legacy of Frank Sinatra
- career spanned five decades - during which adapted + influenced changing musical trends
- 1940s work helped popularise concept of solo vocalist
- contributed to rise of “concept album” in 1950s
- large influence on vocal jazz + popular music
Give key details about Bing Crosby
Name: Bing Crosby
Born: May 3, 1903
Died: October 14, 1977
- leading figure in development of crooning style
- one of best-selling artists of 20th century
- pioneered new recording techniques + technologies
- began career late 1920s with the ‘Rhythm Boys’
- solo success early 1930s
- starred in numerous films
- 1942 “White Christmas” one of best-selling singles of all time
Give the stylistic characteristics of Bing Crosby
- warm, baritone voice
- perfect itch
- very legato
- portamento
- smooth, conversational tone
- relaxed, effortless delivery (crooning style)
- pioneered use of the microphone for intimate, personal sound
- combined elements of jazz, pop + traditional American music
Give the historical context + legacy of Bing Crosby
- career spanned over five decades
- multimedia star- dominating music, radio, film, TV
- innovative use of microphone changed vocal performance + recording techniques
- style + success paved the way for future vocalists
- major influence on subsequent singers (Frank Sinatra considered Crosby a primary influence)
- recordings still popular (particularly in holiday season)
