FRIDAYS ARE FOR FRANK: “Frank Sinatra Has A Cold” (Coronavirus Edition)

Have you washed your hands?

Good.

Now sit down and read this…

In April 1966, writer Gay Talese published a groundbreaking article in Esquire titled “Frank Sinatra Has A Cold.” Bold and unwavering, it’s become known as one of the greatest celebrity profiles ever written.

It wasn’t exactly an interview—since Sinatra wasn’t on board with the article. Talese instead spent a number of months tailing Sinatra and compiling his own observations with bits of input from Frank’s inner circle and entourage.

The article begins just before Sinatra’s 50th birthday, describing a man who is not only facing an existential midlife crisis, but also the complexities of a common cold. When you sing for a living, a cold has quite an impact.

Talese’s piece heralded a movement of “New Journalism,” where the just-the-facts narrative was playfully supplanted by the observations of the reporter. Some might argue that “Frank Sinatra Has A Cold” was the point where news and opinion became seamlessly blurred in their presentation. That presents a significant problem with contemporary journalism, but certainly an unintended consequence.

The adept storytelling and observational mastery of Talese’s “Frank Sinatra Has A Cold” have made the piece a timeless stylistic paradigm. He took a novel approach to the assignment, and in covering the artist he himself produced a work of art.

If you’re in bed right now, hiding from the perils of the outside world, take the time to enjoy this phenomenal work…

“Frank Sinatra Has A Cold” – Esquire, April 1966

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