During his 1950s Capitol Records contract, Frank Sinatra produced some of the most famous records in jazz and popular music history. Five of his vintage Capitol releases are shown here:
Released in April 1955, In the Wee Small Hours is sometimes regarded as one of the earliest concept albums. Appropriately matched to Sinatra’s silky but sad delivery, the album investigates themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and contemplation. Voyle Gilmore produced it; Nelson Riddle arranged it. With this album, Sinatra entered more sophisticated, adult narrative via music.
Released on March 5, 1956, 2. Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! saw Sinatra at his most passionate and romantic. Nelson Riddle’s energetic, jazz-influenced arrangements on this record were a far cry from In the Wee Small Hours. Produced by Voyle Gilmore, the album has hits like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “You Make Me Feel So Young,” hence confirming Sinatra’s reputation as the swing king.
Released on May 6, 1957, A Swingin’ Affair! carried on the happy, big-band sound set forth in Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! Nelson Riddle arranged the record, which also Voyle Gilmore produced. Over complex orchestrations, Sinatra kept his smooth and confident vocal delivery with songs like “Night and Day” and “I Wish I Were in Love Again.”
Released on January 6, 1958, Come Fly with Me was a travel-themed record meant to transport listeners all around the globe via music. Voyle Gilmore produced the record, which Billy May arranged, featuring jet-set standards like “Come Fly with Me” and “Moonlight in Vermont. One of Sinatra’s most often listened to records of the decade started here.
Emphasizing upbeat, danceable songs, 5. Come Dance with Me! (1959), released on January 5, 1959, was among Sinatra’s most energetic albums. Dave Cavanaugh produced the album, which Billy May arranged, with swinging numbers like “Cheek to Cheek” and the title track garnering Sinatra a Grammy Award.
These records are still classic illustrations of Sinatra’s mastery of ballads and swing.
