Frank Sinatra
ListenFrom the Bottom of My Heart · 1939
Harry James and His Orchestra, with Frank Sinatra — transfer of Brunswick 8443.
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1939 · Brunswick
From the Bottom of My Heart / My Melancholy Mood
Frank Sinatra’s first commercial record arrived under Harry James’s name. On Brunswick 8443, the future star receives the small but revealing credit “vocal chorus.” [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0072 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Harry James and His Orchestra; vocal chorus by Frank Sinatra |
| Release | 1939 · United States |
| Label | Brunswick · 8443 |
| Format | 10-inch shellac single · 78 rpm |
| Issue | Original commercial issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | VG+ · company sleeve |
Release history and significance
Harry James heard Sinatra singing on a radio broadcast from the Rustic Cabin café and invited him to join his band. On 13 July 1939, the young singer recorded “From the Bottom of My Heart” and “Melancholy Mood” with the orchestra in New York. A roadside broadcast had become a foothold in the recording business. [1] [2]
The label billing places the orchestra first and the singer within it, a reminder of Sinatra’s beginnings before his solo career. The pairing also presents two sides of the same session: James’s big-band setting and a voice already able to carry a quiet ballad. [1] [2]
Market context
A Brunswick 8443 copy sold for US$406 on 27 March 2018 after five bids. The seller graded it E/E+, described glossy grooves and label tearing on both sides, and identified it as coming from the Ken Swerilas collection. [3]
Physical Description
Black shellac with Brunswick labels, housed in a period company sleeve. A small numbered ownership sticker is attached to the reverse label; the labels otherwise have little visible wear and no writing recorded.
Condition
Graded VG+ in the accession data. The shellac retains a glossy surface with light wear. The period sleeve is graded VG, with age toning and handling wear.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs on 1 December 2025 from the seller recorded as JassRecordsRevival.
Sources
- Library of Congress, Today in History — July 13. Sinatra’s radio appearance, invitation from Harry James and recording debut.
- Discogs, Harry James and His Orchestra — Brunswick 8443, release 5813725. Original 1939 release, label billing, recording date and personnel.
- Popsike, Brunswick 8443 auction dated 27 March 2018. US$406 result and seller’s condition and collection description.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.