On Dec. 12, 1915, Francis Albert Sinatra was born in a tenement in New Jersey, the son of Italian immigrants Natalina Garaventa and Antonino Sinatra. His delivery was rough, leaving him with a perforated eardrum and scarring on his neck, cheek and ear.

As a young child, his parents ran an illegal tavern (which was ignored by local authorities) where he would occasionally sing for pocket change.

Sinatra listened to the radio constantly, developing his voice and trying to emulate his idol, Bing Crosby.

Though his parents recognized his vocal talents, they encouraged him to find traditional employment, especially after he was expelled from high school for “general rowdiness.”

While working small jobs and taking vocal lessons, he continued singing in small venues around New Jersey and New York.

It was not until 1935 that he finally got his first big break as the lead singer — and heartthrob — of local quartet The Hoboken Four.