Frank Sinatra’s Security Measures After Being Targeted by Charles Manson

Frank Sinatra’s Response to a Deadly Threat in Hollywood

In the summer of 1969, a wave of fear washed over Hollywood, casting a shadow over even the most iconic figures, including the legendary Frank Sinatra. The singer’s concerns heightened after he learned he was marked by Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader responsible for the brutal murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and several others.

Joseph Paris, Sinatra’s longtime hairdresser and friend, has shed light on this troubling period in a new memoir titled “Hairman of the Board.” This book delves into Paris’s close relationship with the star, who passed away in 1998, and reveals the drastic steps Sinatra took to protect himself during a time of great panic.

Security Measures Amidst Chaos

Upon hearing about the macabre events surrounding Manson, Sinatra acted decisively. He acquired two Doberman Pinschers to patrol his Los Angeles home and installed iron gates for added security. Paris recalled, “The hairdresser Jay Sebring got killed, who used to cut everybody’s hair in Las Vegas. And Sharon Tate was also a victim. This was serious stuff.”

Paris noted that Sinatra was deeply worried about his safety, stating, “He had some security ride shotgun. He always had a .38 when he traveled for his own protection because people would jump onstage… they couldn’t control themselves, especially if they had a few drinks. And in Vegas, everybody drank.” This vigilance reflected Sinatra’s awareness of his celebrity status and the potential dangers that accompanied it.

A Grim Reality

Sinatra’s fears were not unfounded. Manson had garnered a reputation as a dangerous figure, casting a shadow of dread over Hollywood. Paris recounted, “Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Steve McQueen somehow found themselves on nutcase Charles Manson’s hit list.” The idea of such a notorious criminal targeting him certainly impacted Sinatra’s mental state.

Amidst this turmoil, Sinatra began carrying a distinctive silver, .38-caliber snub-nosed pistol—a gift he valued for its symbolic and practical importance. This important detail showcases how Sinatra took the threat seriously, opting for personal protection.

The Malevolent Influence of Charles Manson

Manson, who had a long history of criminal behavior, shifted his focus from petty crimes to leading a dangerous cult. He manipulated his followers at Spahn Ranch, a dilapidated movie set, using drugs and bizarre philosophies to maintain control. His aspirations as a musician fell flat, leading to bitterness that helped fuel his violent actions. Johnson’s attempts to find recognition in the music industry only exacerbated his pathological behavior.

On August 9, 1969, the Manson family carried out a horrifying attack at Samantha’s residence, killing five people, including the eight-and-a-half-month pregnant Sharon Tate. This act of violence shook the nation to its core. The following night, Manson’s followers murdered a couple, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, further spreading terror.

The Target List and Its Implications

Paris recalled that local media outlets published a list of celebrities targeted by Manson, which included Sinatra’s name. “That was no secret,” Paris emphasized. The revelation of such a list heightened the fears of those involved. “Everybody who was on that list has something to worry about because there’s a lunatic planning your death with five other psychos. When somebody says they’re out to kill you, that’s enough to drive you crazy.”

Reports of Manson’s murderous plans also surfaced from inside the prison system. One of his followers, Susan Atkins, confessed to a fellow inmate that a list existed, targeting not only Sinatra but other celebrities like Richard Burton and Tom Jones.

Law Enforcement’s Response

The LAPD quickly took notice of the threats. Law enforcement agencies were alerted by news reports and inmate confessions, signaling that serious actions were necessary to ensure the safety of individuals named on Manson’s target list. Although Manson and several of his cohorts eventually received sentences for their crimes, the psychological scars left on their intended victims, including Sinatra, ran deep.

Sinatra and the Mafia Myth

For decades, Sinatra faced speculation regarding his connections to organized crime. His life was under surveillance by the FBI, suggesting there may have been truths hidden behind the rumors of mob ties. However, Sinatra always denied these assertions. Paris, who worked closely with Sinatra, voiced his disbelief at the idea that Sinatra had connections to criminal enterprises.

“Who owned the nightclubs? Bishops and priests?” he asked, dismissing the mafia connections as misconstrued. “So much for the wise guys, because he was not a mafia member. He did not support the mafia. He was an Italian who had a heart of gold.” This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding Sinatra’s life.

An Intimate Perspective on Sinatra

Through his memoir, Paris aims to offer readers an alternative perspective on the legendary singer, illuminating the compassionate side of Sinatra that extended beyond the public persona. He reminisced about their friendship, revealing how Sinatra treated him “like royalty.” Paris, who grew up with humble beginnings, recalled how Sinatra’s generosity transformed his life.

“With Sinatra, life was always an adventure,” Paris mused, reflecting on the extraordinary life they shared, punctuated by both fame and fear. His memoir serves not only as a tribute but as a window into the world of one of music’s greatest icons during one of Hollywood’s most alarming eras.

Legacy and Memories

As the shadows of Charles Manson’s violence fade in history, the memories of the fear it struck echo on in personal accounts like Paris’s. Frank Sinatra’s story reminds us of the complexities faced by celebrities, navigating threats and the public eye. Through this lens, Sinatra’s life takes on a more profound meaning, encapsulated within the tumultuous backdrop of 1969, where fame could intertwine dangerously with fear.