"From the Bottom to the Top": Frank Sinatra, the American Myth of Success, and the Italian-American Image

Frontani, Michael, Journal of American Culture (Malden, MA)

When one thinks of Frank Sinatra, numerous images come to mind. Some will think of the young crooner, heartthrob to countless bobbysoxers; some will think of the cocky leader of the so-called Rat Pack. There is the bellicose casino owner daring the authorities to shut him down after it is reported that a well-known Mafioso had visited the property. There is the man of great philanthropy, and great cruelty. There is the liberal star challenging the McCarthyism of the nation's capital, the active democrat supporting John Kennedy in the 1960 presidential election, and the Reagan Republican campaigning for the "great communicator" in the 1980 election. There is the unrepentant womanizer, and …

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Publication information: Article title: "From the Bottom to the Top": Frank Sinatra, the American Myth of Success, and the Italian-American Image. Contributors: Frontani, Michael - Author. Journal title: Journal of American Culture (Malden, MA). Volume: 28. Issue: 2 Publication date: June 2005. Page number: 216+. © 2004 Blackwell Publishers Ltd. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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