(Francis Albert) (1915-) US singer and film actor. Celebrated for his phrasing and emotion, especially on love ballads, he is particularly associated with the song ‘My Way’. His films from 1941 include From Here to Eternity 1953 (Academy Award), Guys and Dolls 1955, and Some Came Running 1959.
From 1943 to 1945, he was a soloist on Your Hit Parade, earning even wider popularity.
In the 1940s he sang such songs as ‘Night and Day’ and ‘You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To’ with Harry James’ and Tommy Dorsey’s bands; many of his later recordings were made with arranger Nelson Riddle (1921–1985).
After a slump in his career, he established himself as an actor. His later career includes film, television, and club appearances, and setting up a record company, Reprise, 1960.