To Be Perfectly Frank

To Be Perfectly Frank was a 15-minute radio program that aired on NBC in the fall of 1953, featuring the legendary crooner Frank Sinatra. The show presented a unique format, with Sinatra taking on the role of a guest DJ, spinning his own hits as well as the popular songs of the day, while also performing live numbers accompanied by a small combo. This program was part of Sinatra’s career resurgence in the early 1950s, following a period of waning popularity in the late 1940s.

The Hoboken native had risen to superstardom in the late 1930s and early 1940s, becoming a teen idol and one of the most popular singers of the era. However, by the end of the 1940s, Sinatra’s career had stalled, and he was dropped by his record label and management company. Two pivotal events in 1953 helped revive his fortunes - his Oscar-winning performance in the film From Here to Eternity, and the launch of his own NBC radio shows, including To Be Perfectly Frank.  The format of To Be Perfectly Frank allowed Sinatra to showcase his musical versatility, as he not only performed his own signature tunes, but also played the records of other acclaimed vocalists he admired, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and Perry Como. This intimate, conversational program gave listeners a glimpse into Sinatra’s musical tastes and influences, as well as his charismatic on-air persona.

The Stars

Frank Sinatra was, of course, the undisputed star of To Be Perfectly Frank. As the host and primary performer, Sinatra’s rich, emotive voice and effortless style were the centerpiece of the program. His ability to seamlessly transition between singing his own hits and introducing the work of his contemporaries demonstrated his deep knowledge and appreciation of the American songbook.

While Sinatra was the sole constant, the show also featured a small musical combo to provide accompaniment for his live performances. The identities of these musicians are not widely documented, but they undoubtedly played a crucial role in supporting Sinatra’s vocals and helping to create the intimate, club-like atmosphere of the program.

Key Dates

• To Be Perfectly Frank debuted on NBC radio in the fall of 1953.
• The exact start and end dates are not widely reported, but the program was part of Sinatra’s career resurgence in the early 1950s, following his Oscar win for From Here to Eternity and the launch of his NBC radio shows.

Other Information

To Be Perfectly Frank was one of several radio programs that Frank Sinatra hosted or appeared on during the 1950s, as he sought to rebuild his career after the setbacks of the late 1940s. In addition to this show, Sinatra also starred in the NBC series Rocky Fortune, which featured him as a wise-cracking, crime-solving temporary worker.

The format of To Be Perfectly Frank, with Sinatra acting as a guest DJ and performer, was similar to the approach used on the Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney Show, another popular radio program of the era. This format allowed Sinatra to showcase his musical versatility and charismatic on-air persona, while also providing listeners with a more intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of the legendary crooner.

Despite its relatively short run, To Be Perfectly Frank remains an important and fascinating chapter in Sinatra’s storied career. The program offered a unique window into the musical tastes and influences of one of the 20th century’s most iconic performers, and it helped to solidify Sinatra’s status as a true master of the American songbook.