His 1993 Duets album sold over three million in the US alone...Not bad for a 78 year-old.
Still enough people around who appreciated quality music back then.
Not to insult a handful of artists who stand out now. There are no small labels, small clubs to introduce new acts or as someone said “no places left for a new kid to be bad at first.” You have to be ready for viral music and national attention right away.
Just before he died, Leonard Cohen was told by a record label executive: “You are near the top of the music industry. But there is no music industry.”
Sinatra was THE best pop singer of the 20th century - impeccable phrasing, great tonal/timbre and an ear for a well written song.
His signature song, “One For My Baby” and his signature performance was his “Live at The Sands” with Count Basie Band.
However, for “One For My Baby”, he was accompanied by only a piano played by his personal pianist, Bill Miller.
The album, “Live at The Sands”, was produced by Quincy Jones.