Only The Lonely Album

Frank Sinatra Sings Only The Lonely, released in September of 1958, is one of his finest projects, and truly a masterpiece.

He planned to record the album with Gordon Jenkins, the arranger of Where Are You, but learned Jenkins was unavailable, so he turned to his other favorite, brilliant arranger Nelson Riddle.

Sources says Sinatra was impressed with the large orchestra Riddle chose.

Guitarist Al Viola lightheartedly said, "We had so many musicians that when I got to the first recording date, I thought it was a union meeting."

Riddle had a previous commitment with Nat King Cole, so he shared some conducting duties with Felix Slatkin. With admiration he added, 'I wrote all the arrangements, but Felix, a fine violinist and fine conductor, did the session while I was away."

This haunting, melancholy concept album became a phenomenal success, hitting number 1 for 5 weeks on Billboard, and a long chart run, holding for 120 weeks.

One can hear Sinatra at his most vulnerable and emotionally available throughout, including on the quintessential saloon standard, One for my Baby, and during his exquisite delivery of Angel Eyes, as well as on the tender "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry."

At the very first Grammy awards in 1959, nominations included Best Album and Best Male Performance, and yet a surprising Grammy win for the unusual album cover, showing a painting depicting Frank as Pagliacci (pal-yee-AH-chee) the sad clown.

Frank Sinatra Jr. aptly expressed, "The album is so sad, it should be sold by prescription only."

Indeed,Sinatra's interpretative artistry, combined with Riddle's stunning arrangements, led to the creation of this deeply complex and poignant album, with some saying it is the crown jewel in their musical career.

Both have commented it was the best album they made and their favorite.

This is Karen with a Swingin' Music Minute