Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert Sinatra is the inspirational choice of broadcaster Colin Murray.

"Fiercely competitive", "aggressive", "utterly masculine" and "supremely talented". Just some of the words - Matthew Parris says - that might be used to describe one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century.

Colin calls Frank omnipresent.

Enchanted by his songs he says: "It's not about the notes you hit for me, it's about the simplicity and the honesty. And for me he had it in bucket loads"

New York author and music critic Will Friedwald vividly describes the singer's life history, from his early years to the marriages and through his recording and screen career.

Featuring excerpts of many of Sinatra's greatest recordings.

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

Producer: Beth O'Dea

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2009.