Product Description

The definitive and explosive biography of one of the world's most controversial, fascinating entertainers, Sinatra: The Man Behind the Myth provides new, astonishing details of Sinatra's many tempestuous romances, the first true account of his ties to the underworld, his surprising influence upon American history and in politics, and his connections with such celebrities as Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and the Kennedys. of photos.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #260784 in Books
• Published on: 1997-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 547 pages

Review
...provides entertaining but familiar sketches of the Rat Pack's Romper Room high jinks and of Sinatra's friendship with mobster Sam Giancana. He also alleges that Sinatra had an affair with Jackie Kennedy. The last chapter deals movingly with the deaths of cronies Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jilly Rizzo, as well as the singer's own physical deterioration. -- Entertainment Weekly

Customer Reviews

The best Sinatra biography I've read
This is by far, the most well-balanced, interesting, Sinatra biography I have read. It is a must-read for any Sinatra fan, or anyone at all interested in reading a Sinatra biography. The only flaw is that even more details would be desirable (not just the "juicy" type, though there are quite a bit of that type: The details about Sinatra's romances - i have to admit, that made for some very fascinating reading!). There is hardly any information about Sinatra's music and films, but there are other books on those subjects. This is the story of his more private, yet fascinating, life. Some of it is funny, warm and sweet, some of it is shockingly barbaric, and the last few chapters about his deteriorating health are very sad. But what makes this bio different from other Sinatra bio's i've read, is the author neither comes across as an enemy nor a hero-worshipper - just a chronicler of an incredible life. Ultimately, the writer seems to respect Sinatra, as an all-too-human being. This book describes Sinatra's tremendous drive and vitality, his very tender and sensitive side, as well as a temper that had more behind it than mere brutality - he was an extremely complex and emotional man who had great difficulty communicating his true feelings, except in song. This book explains a lot about why and how those complexities developed; perhaps the most fascinating part of the book is Sinatra's long and tempestuous relationship with ava gardner - that subject, in itself, could fill a whole book. I hope that an author with the skill of Mr. Taraborrelli is considering writing a book about Frank and Ava - their story is more amazing, romantic, and dramatic than fiction! The best Sinatra biography, but it is possible that an even better one will be written someday - for now, this is the one, and an excellent read; not a dull page.

Sinatra: A Complete Life Is not all that complete
Sinatra:Behind the Legened (repackaged as Sinatra: A Complete Life, after the singer's death in May of 1998) has the same failings as Kitty Kelley's infamous 1986 book.

There is much about Sinatra the womanizer, Sinatra the brawler, Sinatra the friend of hoodlums, but comparatively little about Sinatra the musician.

Tabraborelli makes some passing references to various albums and concerts (he makes many errors by the way in discussing these), but the book is long on gossip and short on music.

However, it's breezily written and contains never never published before anecdotes...highlight: the interview with Barry Keenan, the mastermind of Frank Jr's kidnapping.

For those really interested in Sinatra, the musician...check out Will Friedwald's Sinatra: the Song is You and Chuck Granata's forhcoming "Sessions With Sinatra."

5 STARS * * * * *
Let me tell you, THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. This biography is one of the most respectful, carefully written *TELL ALL* books I've ever read. This book tells you soooooo much info on Frank, it's unbelievable! It's almost as if you're standing in the studio with him, or in the middle of one of his notorious fights w/ Ava Gardner. You feel like you're RIGHT THERE. I thought I knew a lot about Mr. Sinatra, but I was proven wrong. Randy Taraborrelli (the author) gave it to you straight; he threw the whole story at you, but unlike a LOT of other books, he supplied proof to back it up. He interviewed many of Sinatra's old friends from his neighborhood in Hoboken, as well as fellow actors and musicians who knew Sinatra best. On top of all of that, there are 2 sections of black and white pictures and 1 color section. To sum things up...the author obviously had respect and admiration for Frank Sinatra, but he didn't hold back Frank's bad qualities...he let them all come out, all the while praising, respecting, and keeping Ol' Blue Eyes' memory alive!!!! A+