Frank Sinatra : He would have approved

It is a dream come true for many of his fans who can never get enough of their idol. At least 2,000 people are expected to attend, including colleagues of the crooner who died in May aged 82 and academics.

The conference is being held at Hofstra University, 25 miles east of New York.

On campus, music is relayed non-stop to those attending the convention. Entertainment is constantly on hand but the bulk of the conference is distinctly highbrow.

It includes some 43 panels and 80 discussion groups. Topics cover Sinatra's vocal phrasing, his legacy, even his relationship with his mother.

And digging deep into Sinatra's psyche are practitioners of every kind.

"We could say Sinatra is to song as analyst is to patient, " said psychoanalytic therapist Risa Mandell.

Producer and Sinatra pal Quincy Jones - just one of the notables attending - believes it only fitting to pay tribute to "the most unique human being of the 20th century" in this way.

Academic debate however does seem a far cry from the glitz and glamour which characterised Frank Sinatra's life. But Hofstra University is quite used to holding such conferences.

Albert Einstein, Sarah Bernhardt, George Bush and others have been discussed before.

A little light music to soften the mood

According to Sinatra's daughter Tina - a speaker at the conference - Frank himself had given the conference his blessing.

The organisers say that they do not want it to become a Sinatra lovefest but intend to scrutinise every aspect of the singer - both good and bad.

Ultimately, it could be fans like Lisa Grossman who decide. To her, and many others attending, Frank Sinatra, was and is "an icon and an artist" - no matter what they learn about the man.