Stella by Starlight Lyrics & Chords by Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra was one of the most iconic American singers and actors of the 20th century.

Known for his smooth voice and charismatic presence, he earned the nickname “Ol’ Blue Eyes.” Sinatra’s career began in the 1930s and lasted over five decades, influencing generations of performers.

He was famous for timeless hits like “My Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” and “New York, New York.”

Sinatra’s style combined jazz, swing, and pop, creating a unique sound that appealed to a broad audience. His recordings set new standards for vocal performance and emotional expression.

Beyond music, Sinatra was a celebrated actor, winning an Academy Award for his role in From Here to Eternity.

He also became a cultural icon, known for his philanthropy and strong ties to Las Vegas entertainment. His legacy continues to inspire artists around the world.

About the Song

Frank Sinatra’s rendition of “Stella by Starlight” showcases his smooth, expressive vocal style, bringing a romantic and intimate feel to the jazz standard.

His version highlights the song’s beautiful melody with heartfelt emotion and elegant phrasing. It remains a cherished interpretation among fans of classic jazz and traditional pop.

Stella by Starlight Chords by Frank Sinatra

Chords

How to Play these Chords

• Em7b5: Place index on 1st fret of 5th string, ring finger on 3rd fret of 4th string, strum from 5th string down.

• A7b9: Barre 1st fret from 4th to 2nd strings, middle finger 2nd fret 3rd string, ring finger 2nd fret 1st string, mute 6th string.

• Cm: Barre 3rd fret fully, middle finger 4th fret 2nd string, ring finger 5th fret 4th string, pinky 5th fret 3rd string.

• F7: Barre 1st fret fully, ring finger 2nd fret 3rd string, middle finger 1st fret 2nd string.

• Fm7: Barre 1st fret fully, ring finger 3rd fret 5th string.

• Bb7: Barre 1st fret from 5th to 1st strings, ring finger 3rd fret 4th string, pinky 3rd fret 2nd string, mute 6th string.

• Ebmaj7: Barre 3rd fret 4th to 1st strings, index finger 3rd fret 3rd string, mute 5th and 6th strings.

• Ab7: Barre 4th fret fully, ring finger 5th fret 5th string, middle finger 4th fret 3rd string.

• Bbmaj7: Barre 1st fret 4th to 1st strings, ring finger 3rd fret 3rd string, pinky 3rd fret 2nd string, mute 6th and 5th strings.

• Dm7: Barre 1st fret 1st and 2nd strings, middle finger 2nd fret 3rd string, mute 6th and 5th strings.

• Bbm7: Barre 1st fret 4th to 1st strings, middle finger 2nd fret 2nd string, ring finger 3rd fret 4th string, mute 6th and 5th strings.

• Eb7: Index finger 1st fret 4th string, middle finger 1st fret 2nd string, ring finger 2nd fret 3rd string, mute 6th and 5th strings.

• FMaj7: Mute 6th and 5th strings, index finger 1st fret 2nd string, middle finger 2nd fret 3rd string, ring finger 3rd fret 4th string.

• A7: Index finger 2nd fret 4th string, middle finger 2nd fret 2nd string, strum from 5th string.

• Am7b5: Index finger 1st fret 4th string, middle finger 1st fret 2nd string, ring finger 2nd fret 3rd string, pinky 3rd fret 1st string.

• D7: Index finger 1st fret 2nd string, middle finger 2nd fret 3rd string, ring finger 2nd fret 1st string, mute 6th and 5th strings.

• G7#5: Index finger 1st fret 1st string, middle finger 2nd fret 5th string, ring finger 3rd fret 6th string, pinky 4th fret 4th string.

• Cm7: Barre 3rd fret fully, middle finger 4th fret 2nd string, ring finger 5th fret 4th string.

• Dm7b5: Barre 1st fret 5th to 2nd strings, middle finger 2nd fret 3rd string, mute 6th string.

• G7b9: Middle finger 1st fret 6th string, index finger 1st fret 4th string, ring finger 2nd fret 5th string, pinky 2nd fret 3rd string.

• Cm7b5: Barre 3rd fret 4th to 1st strings, middle finger 4th fret 2nd string, ring finger 4th fret 3rd string.

• F7b9: Barre 1st fret fully, middle finger 2nd fret 3rd string, ring finger 3rd fret 5th string, pinky 4th fret 4th string.

Basic Strumming Pattern (Swing Feel)

• Pattern: Down – down-up – down – down-up

• Rhythm: The down strums on the beat, and the up strums come on the “and” (off-beat) with a swing groove (the up strums are slightly delayed to give that triplet/swing feel).

• Tip: Keep your strumming hand relaxed and use a gentle, flowing motion to capture the smooth jazz vibe.

Themes of the Songs

• Romantic longing: The song expresses deep feelings of love and desire for someone special.

• Nostalgia: It evokes a sense of looking back on beautiful memories under the stars.

• Dreamlike beauty: The lyrics paint a serene, almost magical night scene that feels timeless.

• Emotional vulnerability: The song reveals a tender, heartfelt openness in expressing feelings.

Similar Songs

1. Misty – Ella Fitzgerald

A smooth jazz ballad that captures romantic longing with lush melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

2. Autumn Leaves – Nat King Cole

A classic tune filled with nostalgia and beautiful imagery of changing seasons and lost love.

3. My Funny Valentine – Chet Baker

A tender song exploring emotional vulnerability and deep affection with a soft, intimate feel.

4. Body and Soul – Billie Holiday

A timeless jazz standard expressing dreamlike beauty and longing through rich harmonies and expressive lyrics.

Similar Artist

1. Dean Martin

Dean Martin was a smooth-voiced crooner known for his relaxed style and charm, often performing classic pop and jazz standards alongside Sinatra. He brought a playful yet heartfelt vibe to his music that made him a beloved figure in the Rat Pack.

• Famous Songs: “That’s Amore,” “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “Volare”

• Famous Albums:Dino: Italian Love Songs, Dean Martin Sings

2. Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett is a legendary jazz and pop singer celebrated for his rich tone and emotional delivery. Like Sinatra, he excelled in interpreting the Great American Songbook with elegance and warmth.

• Famous Songs: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Rags to Riches”

• Famous Albums:I Left My Heart in San Francisco, The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album

3. Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole was a trailblazing jazz pianist and vocalist with a velvety voice that brought smoothness and sophistication to every performance. His style blended jazz, pop, and ballads seamlessly.

• Famous Songs: “Unforgettable,” “L-O-V-E,” “Mona Lisa”

• Famous Albums:The Nat King Cole Story, Love Is the Thing

4. Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby was one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century, known for his warm baritone and relaxed phrasing. He was a pioneer in popular music and helped shape the crooner style that Sinatra later popularized.

• Famous Songs: “White Christmas,” “Swinging on a Star,” “Pennies from Heaven”

• Famous Albums:Bing Crosby’s Treasury – The Songs I Love, Merry Christmas

Frequently Asked Questions

How Did Frank Sinatra Influence Modern Music?

Frank Sinatra set new standards for vocal phrasing and emotional delivery, influencing countless singers across genres. His ability to convey deep feeling with subtlety changed how vocalists approach interpretation.

What are Some Signature Vocal Techniques Used by Frank Sinatra?

Sinatra was known for his smooth legato phrasing, precise timing, and controlled vibrato, which gave his performances a conversational and intimate feel that connected deeply with listeners.

How Did Sinatra’s Acting Career Impact His Music?

His acting experience enhanced his storytelling ability in songs, allowing him to bring characters and emotions to life through his vocal performances with cinematic expressiveness.

What Role Did Frank Sinatra Play in the Rat Pack?

As a founding member, Sinatra helped popularize the Rat Pack’s blend of music, comedy, and cool style, contributing to Las Vegas entertainment culture and shaping mid-20th-century pop culture.

Timothy Nash

Timothy Nash is a professional musician and educator with over 12 years of experience teaching music theory. With a degree in music composition, Timothy has helped countless students understand the complexities of music theory, from basic scales to advanced harmonic concepts. His clear and approachable teaching style makes music theory accessible to beginners and advanced learners alike, allowing them to improve their musical skills and deepen their understanding of the art form.