At the age of seventeen, alone in New York, Sinatra started singing with little groups in road-houses. Word soon spread of his talent, but it was still a gruelling five years before he got his first real break.

When the singer in Tommy Dorsey’s band was called up for military service, Dorsey immediately took on Sinatra. Together, over two years, they recorded 40 songs.

Sinatra’s talent had once again set him ahead. His personal life, however, was not so smooth. Divorce, and re-marriage was only the start of a series of turbulent relationships.

1953 marked the revival of Sinatra’s career. Nelson Riddle and Sinatra met for the first time. The collaboration sparked the release of some of the most powerful and emotional records ever made.

Douglas-Home recounts his first-hand encounters with Sinatra, with insights and perspectives that can only come from having met the man himself, in Sinatra's first authorised biography.

Robin Douglas-Home (1932-1968) was the son of the Honourable Henry Douglas-Home and the nephew of former Prime Minister, Sir Alec Douglas-Home. A Scottish aristocrat and Jazz pianist, Robin Douglas-Home was a leading figure of society. His other novels include the Author’s Club First Novel Award winner, Hot for Certainties (1964).