Frank Sinatra: “That’s Life”

That's Life

Frank Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915 in Hoboken, NJ. I wish he were still around entertaining us, but that’s life.

Below, Sinatra sings “That’s Life,” which was released in 1966. Dean Kay and Kelly Gordon wrote “That’s Life,” which was first recorded by Marion Montgomery and released in 1963.

Over the years, a number of artists have recorded the song. You recently may have heard a current version in a television commercial for Jariance prescription diabetes medicine.

Sinatra, who passed away in 1998, first heard “That’s Life” in a version by singer O.C. Smith, who had a popular version of the song “Little Green Apples.” Smith, who was born June 21 in 1932, passed away in 2001. Below is Smith’s version of “That’s Life.”

One can hear how Smith’s own excellent version would have attracted Sinatra to the song. Sinatra’s version, which would become the most recognizable version of “That’s Life,” appeared on his 1966 album That’s Life.

Happy birthday Frank, wherever you are.

What is your favorite Frank Sinatra song? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • When Dean and Jerry Reunited on the MDA Labor Day Telethon
  • The House I Live In: Josh White’s America
  • Bob Dylan Croons “I Could Have Told You”
  • 3 a.m. Albums: Frank Sinatra’s “In the Wee Small Hours”
  • Bob Dylan Sends Off Letterman With “The Night We Called It a Day”
  • Who Was Bruce Springstone?
  • (Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)