Join us on campus for our next Mary Talk of the 2019-20 academic year.

James Brooks Kuykendall, professor and chair of the music department at UMW, will present "Frank Sinatra and the Development of the Concept Album."

Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) was one of the greatest American performing artists—leaving a legacy both as a singer and as an Oscar-winning film star. Less appreciated, perhaps, was his pioneering artistic vision. At the advent of the long-playing record, Sinatra recognized its potential not merely as a medium for a series of songs all on one disc, but for a sustained artistic statement. In his 1950s series of Capitol Records albums (including In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, Songs for Swingin’ Lovers, Close to You, Come Fly with Me, and Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely), Sinatra explored how to create musical coherence in large-scale structures. In so doing, he shaped the work of successive musicians across all genres.

This event is free to attend, but registration is requested. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Please join us for light refreshments at the conclusion of the program. We look forward to seeing you there!

Note: If you are unable to attend in person, click here to register to view the Talk online (either live or at a later time): https://www.alumni.umw.edu/MTKuykendallOnline