Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra

Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra chronicles George Jacobs' years as Frank Sinatra's personal valet from 1953 to 1968. Jacobs served as one of Sinatra's closest employees during the height of the singer's career and fame. The book provides an insider's account of Sinatra's daily life, relationships, and interactions with fellow celebrities including the Rat Pack, John F. Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe. Through his unique position in the household, Jacobs witnessed both Sinatra's public persona and private moments. Jacobs details the demanding nature of working for one of the world's biggest stars, from late-night requests to complex travel arrangements and intimate family dynamics. His perspective includes observations about Sinatra's multiple marriages, business dealings, and connections to organized crime figures. The memoir goes beyond simple celebrity gossip to explore themes of loyalty, power, race relations in mid-century America, and the price of fame. Through Jacobs' eyes, readers gain understanding of both the privileges and burdens of extraordinary success.

Readers view this memoir as an intimate behind-the-scenes account of Sinatra's life from 1953-1968, through his former valet's perspective. Readers appreciated: - Raw, honest portrayal showing Sinatra's generosity and temper - Details about relationships with the Rat Pack, JFK, Ava Gardner - Humorous anecdotes and celebrity encounters - Jacobs' balanced tone - neither bitter nor fawning - Cultural context of 1950s-60s Hollywood Common criticisms: - Too much focus on Sinatra's romantic life - Some stories feel embellished or gossipy - Repetitive descriptions of daily routines - Occasional mean-spirited comments about certain celebrities Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) "Reads like sitting down with a friend telling great stories" - Amazon reviewer "More tabloid than tribute, but fascinating" - Goodreads reviewer "The good, bad and ugly of Frank, told with surprising affection" - LibraryThing review

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🎭 George Jacobs served as Frank Sinatra's personal valet from 1953 to 1968, during what many consider the peak years of Sinatra's career and the height of the Rat Pack era. 🎬 The book reveals that Marilyn Monroe would often seek refuge at Sinatra's home, and Jacobs witnessed her final days, noting her increasingly fragile mental state. 🌟 Jacobs was fired by Sinatra after being photographed dancing at a nightclub with Sinatra's then-wife Mia Farrow, highlighting the star's notorious jealousy and volatile temperament. 🍸 The memoir details Sinatra's complex relationships with the Kennedy family, including the sudden cooling of their friendship after JFK became president and chose to stay at Bing Crosby's house instead of Sinatra's during a Palm Springs visit. 📖 Published in 2003, three years before Jacobs' death, the book provides unprecedented insight into Sinatra's daily routines, from his strict requirements about food preparation to his preference for silk shirts that could only be worn once before being discarded.