“If love lyrics were too mushy, he could sing them and make wised-up fun of the mush, and still, in some part of the self, acknowledge that there was some truth to the words. He could be tender and still be a tough guy. Ruth Etting could sing her weepy torch songs, but for men, whining or self-pity was not allowed; they were forbidden by the male codes of the city. Sinatra slowly found a way to allow tenderness into the performance while remaining manly. When he finally took command of his own career, he perfected the role of the Tender Tough Guy and passed it on to several generations of Americans. Before him, that archetype did not exist in American popular culture. That is one reason why he continues to matter; Frank Sinatra created a new model for American masculinity.”
Quote by Pete Hamill
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Pete Hamill (born June 24, 1935) was a renowned American journalist, author, and columnist. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Irish immigrant parents, he became a prominent voice in New York journalism. Hamill wrote for major outlets like the New York Post, Daily News, and The New Yorker, covering politics, culture, and social issues. He was known for his deep empathy for the city's working class and immigrants. Hamill also authored several novels and nonfiction works, including the bestseller "A Drinking Life." His direct, emotional style and personal narratives made him a distinctive figure in American media. He passed away in 2020, leaving a lasting legacy. more
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