This post was submitted by Dr. Marl Trolice.
Ninety-six years ago today in a multi-storied tenement house in the Italian section of Hoboken NJ, an immigrant young couple were awaiting the birth of their first and, ultimately, only child. The delivery was difficult with forceps macerating the infants left cheek and ear. Assuming he was stillborn, the mid-wife tended to the ill mother while the lifeless child was handed off to his grandmother …who promptly placed him under a faucet of cold running water and aroused the newborn.
Entering the world with scars and the first of his several comebacks, this child developed his craft and became the standard in popular vocalization and interpretation conquering the areas of performance in recording, radio, television and captivated audiences in night clubs to the most celebrated venues of the world as well as in motion pictures…all without being formally trained in music or acting. While we are not able to canonize all of his life, Frank Sinatra more than repaid for his place on Earth through a multitude of humanitarian efforts that are now legion and many others that remain anonymous. Almost 14 years since his passing, he continues to influence other artists and to provide infinite joy to the many of us who remain ardent fans – the fortunate enduring recipients of his gift.
