Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley: A Tale of Shared Love

Intrigue and romance filled the air when two of music's biggest legends, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, found themselves entangled in a love triangle with the same woman.

This is the story of how they navigated this complicated dynamic and what it meant for their relationship.

When Elvis began his meteoric rise to fame, Frank Sinatra didn't hold back his disdain for the young rock ‘n' roll sensation.

Sinatra publicly criticized the genre and its growing popularity.

Perhaps there was even a tinge of jealousy in Sinatra's disapproval, as Elvis captivated crowds in the same way Sinatra had done in the 1940s.

To complicate matters further, both men were reportedly dating the talented actor and dancer Juliet Prowse at the same time.

During Elvis' explosive ascent, Sinatra voiced his dislike for the music he was creating.

In 1957, he described it as “the most brutal, ugly, degenerate, vicious form of expression it has been my displeasure to hear.”

In his book “Sinatra: The Chairman,” James Kaplan recounts Sinatra's scathing words, where he added that the music fostered negative and destructive reactions in young people.

Sinatra believed it to be phony, false, and sung by “cretinous goons” with lewd and dirty lyrics.

He saw it as the anthem of rebellious delinquents around the world—a putrid aphrodisiac that he deplored.

Elvis, on the other hand, responded to Sinatra's criticism with admiration and respect.

Although he acknowledged Sinatra's right to express his opinion, he thought the legendary crooner was too harsh.

Elvis regarded Sinatra as a great success and a fine actor but disagreed with his assessment of the music.

He viewed it as a trend, similar to the challenges Sinatra had faced at the beginning of his own career.

It was during the filming of movies that both men crossed paths with Juliet Prowse.

Prowse, a South African actor and dancer, first encountered Sinatra on the set of the 1960 film “Can Can.”

Sinatra was immediately captivated by her and the two soon embarked on a romantic relationship.

He famously described her as “the sexiest dancer I've ever seen.”

Shortly after, while filming “G.I.

Blues,” Prowse met Elvis.

Despite her involvement with Sinatra, she began an affair with the King of Rock ‘n' Roll.

The simultaneous relationships became fodder for gossip columns at the time, much to Prowse's frustration.

In 1960, she clarified the situation, stating that while she had been on a date or two with Elvis, they were not a steady item as some columnists suggested.

Prowse emphasized her friendship with Sinatra and dismissed the notion of a love triangle, considering it ridiculous.

Prowse also revealed that although she was primarily involved with Sinatra, their relationship didn't necessarily entail exclusivity.

They were mature individuals who didn't conform to societal expectations of teenage-like commitment and going steady.

Eventually, Sinatra proposed to Prowse.

However, she ultimately broke off their engagement because he wanted her to take a step back from her career, which she was unwilling to do.

Despite their tense history, Sinatra and Elvis seemed to find common ground later on.

Elvis appeared on one of Sinatra's television specials, and their performances together showcased genuine enjoyment.

After Elvis' untimely death, Sinatra paid tribute to his late friend, saying, “We lost a good friend.”

The story of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and their shared love interest is a testament to the complexities of relationships and the unpredictable twists that life can bring.

It serves as a reminder that even legends like Sinatra and Elvis are not immune to the complications of love and rivalry.