Sinatra and Stordahl

Frank Sinatra loved classical music, especially impressionists like Ravel and Delius. He heard strains of this music in Axel Stordahl’s arrangements. Sinatra related to radio host Sid Mark, “I think that Axel Strodahl was the daddy that people began to learn from in the sense of writing orchestrations. He was the most prolific of his time.” From the Dorsey years right through the beginning of the Capital period in 1953, Strdahl was Sinatra’s primary conductor, arranger and music director; but he was not the only one calling the shots. Author Chuck Granata examines this partnership as well as how Sinatra transformed himself into a sophisticated swinger in the Capitol years.