Frank Sinatra

Who He Was

Francis Albert Sinatra (1915–1998), the legendary singer and actor “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” left an unforgettable imprint on Palm Springs' history. While his main home was in Toluca Lake, he famously embraced the desert as a personal and professional retreat, helping to put Palm Springs on the map as Hollywood’s playground.

In 1948, as his marriage to Nancy Sinatra was unraveling, he built a striking 4,000-square-foot modernist home at 1148 East Alejo Drive, now known as Twin Palms. Designed by architect E. Stewart Williams, the sleek estate featured glass walls, high ceilings, and a piano-shaped pool—perfect for entertaining in style.

Why He Matters

Sinatra was more than a homeowner—the face of the Palm Springs golden era. His glamorous lifestyle, stormy romance with Ava Gardner, and wild parties became legendary. Even after their divorce in 1956, Sinatra remained a central figure in desert society. Guests at Twin Palms included Hollywood stars, politicians, and power players from every walk of life.

In the 1950s, he began building a larger and more private estate in Rancho Mirage, which eventually became 70588 Frank Sinatra Drive. With a private helipad, dining room for 40, and enough security to host a U.S. president, it became his true desert stronghold. President John F. Kennedy was once expected to visit, but due to Sinatra’s rumored mob ties, stayed at Bing Crosby’s home instead—fueling years of gossip.

Despite his tabloid headlines, Sinatra had a powerful philanthropic side. In 1969, he donated over $800,000 to found the Martin Anthony Sinatra Medical Education Center, named after his father. In 1980, he raised another $1.3 million for the Desert Medical Center while campaigning for his friend Ronald Reagan.

He co-founded the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center in 1986 with his wife, Barbara Sinatra. To this day, it provides therapy and support for abused children in the Coachella Valley.

Legacy Today

• Twin Palms Estate remains a mid-century modern landmark and luxury rental that captures the spirit of Sinatra’s Palm Springs.

• Villa Maggio, his Rancho Mirage compound, is a quieter but deeply personal piece of desert history.

• Frank Sinatra Drive in Rancho Mirage and Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, where he's buried, keep his name alive in everyday life.

• The Barbara Sinatra Center continues its mission, reflecting the couple’s lasting impact on the region.

• His musical legacy and desert legend status draw thousands each year, as fans and architecture buffs trace his steps through Palm Springs history.