Sinatra Bar & Lounge, bringing a Manhattan meets Palm Springs ambiance to downtown Nashville’s historic Printers Alley, is now open in the Icon-owned Southern Turf building, a spectacular Queen Anne structure built in 1839. Celebrating Frank Sinatra’s enduring cultural legacy with a warm and intimate atmosphere, the dining menu offers many of the Chairman of the Board’s favorites, traditional Italian dishes and steaks, complemented by libations and careful attention to aesthetic detail.
“We are thrilled that our dad, who loved good songs, good food, and good spirits, will now be part of Music City’s creative and vibrant landscape,” said Nancy and Tina Sinatra. “The stately Southern Turf landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and once housed a speakeasy and saloon; how cool is that?”
“We look forward to providing our guests with a dining and entertainment experience second to none,” said Icon Entertainment Group CEO Bill Miller. Be sure to watch for Ryan, the handsome young singer there who perfectly channels “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” For more information visit sinatranashville.com.
Throughout his seven-decade career, Sinatra performed on more than 1,400 recordings, awarded 31 gold, nine platinum, three double platinum, and one triple platinum album. The Oscar® winner appeared in more than 60 films and produced eight. Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Recording Academy, Screen Actors Guild, and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as well as the Kennedy Center Honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Congressional Gold Medal, confirm his legendary status as an inspiration around the world for his contributions to culture and the arts.
From his youth, Sinatra displayed sympathy for African Americans and worked publicly and privately all his life to help them win equal rights. In 1947 Sinatra remarked: “We’ve got a hell of a way to go in this racial situation. As long as most white men think of a Negro as a Negro first and a man second, we’re in trouble. I don’t know why we can’t grow up.”
In the late 40’s, before either man was famous, Frank appeared in a New York theater. He went to Harlem to see the Will Maston Trio led by a young Sammy Davis Jr. Afterwards he asked Sammy to come see his show. After a week, no Sammy. Sinatra went back to Harlem and asked Sammy why he didn’t show. Sammy said he went, but they wouldn’t let him in. Frank stormed back to the theater, tore up his contract in front of them, and never performed there again. A common theme during their friendship and careers: when Sammy wasn’t allowed to play, Frank wouldn’t play there either.
Sinatra played a major role in the desegregation of Nevada hotels and casinos in the 1950s and 1960s, often stepping in to demand apologies for racist incidents and abolishing Jim Crow policies before he would fulfill his show contract. He also financially supported Martin Luther King, Jr.
When Sammy was refused a Las Vegas hotel room, Frank said, “Give him my room!” After Sammy’s car accident where he lost his eye, Sinatra paid all his medical bills. After 5 decades and 40 years of performing together, a reporter asked Frank why he was always so charitable to Sammy. Frank responded in three words, “He’s my brother.”
