Frank Sinatra was not only one of the most popular and influential American singers of the 20th century, but, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide, was (and still is) also one of the most successful.
Nancy Rose Barbato was 17 years old when she met Frank Sinatra, an 18-year-old singer from Hoboken, on the Jersey Shore in the summer of 1934. They married five years later, in 1939, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Jersey City, where Frank gave Nancy a recording of a song dedicated to her titled ‘Our Love’ as a wedding present. The young newlyweds lived and worked in New Jersey, where Frank worked as an unknown singing waiter and master of ceremonies at the Rustic Cabin while Nancy worked as a secretary at the American Type Founders.
With money short, Nancy supported Frank in his fledgling career by receiving a $15 advance on her salary so he could have publicity photos taken and by sewing all of his bow ties. His musical career took off after singing with big band leaders Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, and Nancy went on tour with Frank and his band, which she recalled were the happiest times of their married life.
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In Nancy, I found beauty, warmth and understanding; being with her was my only escape from what seemed to be a grim world.
Frank and Nancy Sinatra were the proud parents of three children: Nancy Jr. (b. 1940), Frank Jr. (b. 1944) and Christina (b. 1948). In 1951, Nancy and Frank’s marriage ended in divorce, but the couple remained friends throughout their lives until Frank’s death in 1998 at the age of 82. Nancy devoted her life to her family, friends and philanthropic causes and died at the age of 101 on 13 July 2018. “In Nancy, I found beauty, warmth and understanding; being with her was my only escape from what seemed to be a grim world,” Frank Sinatra said in a 1952 interview.
Earlier this month, Julien’s Auctions in Culver City, California offered Property from the Estate of Mrs. Nancy Sinatra. In the sale were over 650 items Frank and Nancy collected together (as well as those Nancy collected later in life), including artworks, such as sculptures and paintings, furniture, decoration, books, silverware, jewellery, mirrors, porcelain, a large Louis Vuitton trunk, and a Steinway & Sons Grand Piano.
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The Steinway & Sons Model B 82-inches-long grand piano with an ebony satin finish, serial number B 328083, dating to 1949, came with an ebonised wooden piano bench with needlework upholstered seat cushion. It boasted an estimate of US$40,000-60,000 (£30,500-45,7000) but came to double that and ultimately sold for $108,000 (£82,300).
Frank and Nancy Sinatra purchased this Steinway & Sons Model B grand piano new in 1949 for their Holmby Hills estate at 320 N. Carolwood Drive. Frank is depicted seated at the piano in an image from a photoshoot that took place at the home shortly after the purchase of the piano. Another image from that time shows Nancy Sinatra standing next to the piano while Nancy Jr. and Frank Jr. are seated together on the piano bench and Tina stands behind. Since its purchase by the Sinatras in 1949, it has been played on and/or sung next to by Nat King Cole, Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen, George Burns, Milton Berle, Johnny Mercer, Michael Feinstein and many more 20th century bold-faced names.
