Frank Sinatra

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The world has lost a swingin’ cat.

At 10:50PM Pacific on Thursday, May 14, 1998, Frank Sinatra passed away from an acute heart attack in the emergency room of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Sinatra is survived by his wife, Barbara; children Frank Jr., Tina, Robert and Nancy; and two granddaughters.

A legend in his own time, Frank Sinatra led a colorful life. A singer, an actor, a husband several times, Sinatra had friends in the Mafia and in Hollywood. With his Rat Pack of friends, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford, Frank ruled over Las Vegas and the entertainment industry. He was Ol’ Blue Eyes, the Chairman of the Board.

One thing about his life cannot be denied. Frank Sinatra had a way with a song. A phrasing, a style, that took him to the heart of the song and earned him fans across all age groups. Many of those famous fans released statements upon his passing:

Tony Bennett
One of Sinatra’s favorite toasts to make with a glass in hand was, ‘May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.’ The master is gone but his voice will live forever.

Bono (U2)
Frank Sinatra was the 20th Century, he was modern, he was complex, he had swing and he had attitude. He was the boss but he was always Frank Sinatra. We won’t see the likes of him again. He was the big bang of pop… the man invented pop music.

Sinatra’s Children/Grandchildren
Our father and grandfather was a man of dreams, man of passion, strength, loyalty and gentleness. His lessons and love were the only constant in an ever-changing world. He is and always will be the center of our universe. We offer our condolences to you as you offer yours to us. – Nancy, Frank, Tina, AJ, Amanda, Michael – May 15, 1998

Merv Griffin
Frank was the last of the legendary stars. He was one of the great interpreters of lyrics and his musical style will remain forever. His rough and tumble life became a part of his lore. Thank God we have the great library of recordings and films to enjoy for generations to come.Frank was also a very generous and kind man — a part of him he didn’t show to many.

Phil Ramone (Producer)
Frank Sinatra’s passing marks the end of an era. I’m thankful that he has left us a legacy of his music, and that I was fortunate enough to participate in the making of Duets I & II. My family and I send our deepest sympathy to Barbara, Nancy, Tina, and Frank, Jr.

Jack Lemmon
Frank Sinatra was more than a singer, he was a legend. I admired him throughout his career. He never gave up. Even when his singing career seemed to be in trouble he never faltered. He never gave up on his effort to regain the heights, and he did. He was a complete performer — as brilliant an actor as he was a singer, and an unbeatable humanitarian.

Kirk Douglas
Frank Sinatra will never die. My grandchildren will be moved by his voice in the next millennium. We have been friends for over 50 years. But I think nobody ever knew him completely. There was a small core deep down inside that he used to protect himself from all the idol worshipers. This preserved his sanity. Frank was always ready to help a worthwhile cause or someone in need. I will miss him and I know he will be happy when he joins his pals, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.

Tommy Sands (actor, singer and former son-in-law of Frank Sinatra)
I extend my deepest condolences to all of the Sinatra family at this difficult time. I was fortunate to have known and worked with one of the great entertainers of our time. He was also a humanitarian and social equalizer who was a trail blazer in the industry. To me, he will always be ‘Chairman of the Board.’ I will miss him. My heart goes out to all of his family.

Hootie & The Blowfish’s Darius Rucker
Frank Sinatra meant a lot to me as a singer, and to the world as an entertainer and as an educator. The world lost the greatest; this is truly all you can say.

Capitol Records’ President and CEO Gary Gersh
Capitol Records joins the world in mourning the loss of Frank Sinatra. Our hearts go out to the Sinatra family, his wife Barbara, children, and grandchildren, and to all his fans worldwide. Frank Sinatra was a cornerstone of Capital Records as well as a friend. He is part of the fabric of America and will always be the musical icon to the world. Donations may be made to the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and Catholic Charities in lieu of flowers.

Julio Iglesias
Knowing Frank Sinatra was an honor and a privilege. His artistry was a great influence on me. To me, he was the greatest artist of the century.

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