Frank Sinatra Has a Cold, an article well worth reading, contains touches of humor and lightheartedness, while filled with detailed examples from Sinatra’s prime time. The writer of this article, Gay Talese, portrays Sinatra as a hero, which unarguably, to a large percentage of Americans, he was.
Focusing on the influence and fame Sinatra incited through his music and personality, criticism is few and far between. Though Talese also touched on less desirable characteristics of Sinatra such as his questionable moral choices and bouts of sudden anger and conceit, the piece is written so the reader may easily be charmed by Sinatra’s person. Synopses like these give ample room to overlook fault.
Talese focuses on the idea that Sinatra depended on his voice for his fame. To lose this aspect of himself would be to lose his fame. To lose his fame would be to lose his grip on the world, and his grip on the world would mean to lose power. Sinatra’s dependence on his voice for his contentedness reflects similar attitudes in today's culture. Fame and popularity is too often based on outward offerings of show and talent, while personality, character, and inner strength are ignored. One's honesty and dependability is not what makes a person. Rather the accumulated attention from performance defines value.
The respect paid to today's heroes utterly ignores personal respect, and morals, rather absorbing with pure pleasure the glorifying yet shameful details beneath the original talent. What happens when Sinatra gets a cold? The beauty fades and the sight is ugly. Someone get Sinatra a tissue!
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Thank you for sharing your candid and realistic viewpoint. The only thing that I could think to add to your comments is that "If Frank Sinatra was (or is) an American hero, then who needs villains?" Yes, Sinatra had his (playboy) impact upon our culture and society--but the lasting fragrances of his "contributions" only perpetuated the decline of what was then left of any good morals and conscience. Though one might appreciate his musicianship, he was a poor role model--lacking in true virtues and the character that truly defines men--elevated because of personality and charisma. When I think of the negative impact of such "superstars" upon the hearts of American people, I can only say. . ."Somebody get me a tissue!"
Sincerely, Deborah Finch
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