Legendary crooner Frank Sinatra will be honored at the Lincoln Center for a career that spanned over 60 years. Ol’ Blues Eyes, as he was affectionately known, would have been 100 years old on December 12, 2015. Known as a singer, actor, producer and director, Sinatra built a body of work that even after his passing remains a familiar part of the American lexicon.
“Witchcraft,” “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street” – these are just a few of the hits that Frank Sinatra immortalized into the Great American Songbook. With his sultry voice, impeccable phrasing and everyman appeal, this son of the Hoboken working class came to epitomize American popular music.
With such great talent, it is only fitting that a tribute concert in his honor feature some of today’s very best performers. Super soulful singer and our collective homegirl, Grammy winner Fantasia will be adding her talent to the line-up which also includes Tony-winning Broadway performer, pop singer, film and television actor Billy Porter among others.
SNEAK PEEK: We're singing Sinatra and celebrating the Legacy…Dec 18th y'all..on PBS! #Sinatra100 #LFLC https://t.co/kIwy08ufuO
— Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) December 13, 2015
SINATRA: Voice for a Century airs Friday, 12/18 at 9pm on @PBS. 🎤 Check your local listings. pic.twitter.com/CXc1QDNGD0
— Fantasia Taylor (@TasiasWord) December 12, 2015
Fantasia has sold over three million records and won numerous awards since storming onto the music scene after winning American Idol in 2004. And like Sinatra, Fantasia has made her mark in more than just the music industry. Her Broadway debut was in The Color Purple and was followed with After Midnight. Billy Porter has recently racked up awards for his portrayal of ‘Lola’ in the Broadway show Kinky Boots, a role that he originated. Check out Fantasia and Porter’s thoughts about Frank Sinatra in the video below.
Sinatra: Voice for a Century, part of the Live from Lincoln Center series, will air on PBS December 18. For more information on how you can see the show, check your local PBS listings.
UPDATE: Performances from the show are below!
