This Is Sinatra! is a significant compilation album by American singer Frank Sinatra, initially released in 1963 by Capitol Records. Beyond the original album, the phrase "This Is Sinatra!" (and similar variations) has also become a commonly used title and branding for numerous subsequent compilations and anthologies of his work across various labels, highlighting his signature sound and popular recordings.
Background and Original Release
The original This Is Sinatra! album was released by Capitol Records in 1963. By this time, Frank Sinatra had already left Capitol to establish his own label, Reprise Records. Capitol, however, retained the rights to his extensive and highly successful catalog from the 1950s, a period widely considered one of the peaks of his career. The release of This Is Sinatra! was part of Capitol's strategy to continue capitalizing on Sinatra's enduring popularity by compiling his most beloved tracks from his tenure with the label.
The album typically features a selection of his most iconic recordings from his "Capitol years," known for their sophisticated arrangements, lush orchestrations by figures like Nelson Riddle, Billy May, and Gordon Jenkins, and Sinatra's masterful vocal interpretations of classic American Songbook standards.
- Artist: Frank Sinatra
- Release Date: 1963
- Label: Capitol Records
- Genre: Traditional Pop, Vocal Jazz, Easy Listening, Big Band
- Original Format: LP (long-playing record)
Content and Significance
While specific track listings might vary slightly across different reissues and regional releases, the album generally includes some of Sinatra's most well-known hits from the 1950s. These tracks showcased his versatility, ranging from melancholic ballads to swinging, uptempo numbers. The album's concept aimed to provide an accessible entry point for new listeners and a convenient collection for existing fans, gathering hits that were previously spread across multiple studio albums. It underscored the enduring appeal and high artistic quality of his work during this prolific era.
Later Reissues and Branding
Due to its successful concept and Sinatra's timeless appeal, the phrase "This Is Sinatra!" (or variations such as "This Is Sinatra, Volume Two!", "The Best of Sinatra," or simply "Sinatra!") has been extensively used by Capitol and other record labels (including EMI, Universal Music, and even his own Reprise label for different periods) for numerous reissues, new compilations, and digital collections.
These subsequent compilations vary in their scope, sometimes focusing on specific periods of his career (e.g., Capitol, Reprise, Columbia years) or thematic collections (e.g., love songs, swing tracks, film songs). Regardless of the specific content, the title "This Is Sinatra!" has become synonymous with presenting a definitive or representative selection of his artistry, recognizing him as a foundational figure in 20th-century popular music.
Legacy
The original This Is Sinatra! album and its subsequent use as a branding concept represent more than just a single musical release. They embody a consistent strategy for preserving and presenting Frank Sinatra's vast and influential musical legacy. They highlight his critical period at Capitol Records, where he refined his persona as "The Voice" and produced some of his most critically acclaimed and commercially successful work, influencing countless artists and cementing his place as one of the greatest vocalists in popular music history.