Nancy Sinatra is much more than just the daughter of a legendary musical icon. While her father, Frank Sinatra, was celebrated for his classic standards, Nancy carved her own path in the 1960s with her distinctive sassy style and powerful, often edgy, songs. Though forever linked to her iconic 1965 hit, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” Nancy Sinatra’s discography reveals a far more diverse artist, exploring pop, rock, country, and even psychedelic soundscapes.
To truly appreciate her artistry, here are 10 essential Nancy Sinatra Songs that showcase her impressive range, from pop sweetheart to a true hipster icon.
1. “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” (1965)
“These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” a definitive Nancy Sinatra song, wasn’t just her breakthrough hit; it became a cultural phenomenon. Decades later, it stands as one of pop music’s most unforgettable kiss-off anthems.
The lyrics, a bold declaration to a wayward boyfriend, solidified Nancy’s persona as a woman not to be trifled with. Its proto-feminist undertones resonated deeply, empowering women, while the iconic music video, featuring Nancy and her dancers in micro-minidresses and go-go boots, became a visual embodiment of the swinging sixties. This Nancy Sinatra hit is more than just a song; it’s a statement.
2. “Sugar Town” (1966)
“Sugar Town” offers a contrasting glimpse into Nancy Sinatra’s versatility. This breezy, seemingly innocent tune topped Billboard’s Easy Listening chart, presenting a facade of wholesome pop. However, beneath the sweet melody, “Sugar Town” is rumored to hold a surprisingly subversive secret.
Whispers suggest the lyrics subtly allude to the psychedelic experience of LSD-laced sugar cubes, a popular trend at the time. This hidden layer of counter-culture wink made it a unique song, appealing to both the burgeoning hippie movement and their unsuspecting parents. This Nancy Sinatra track showcases her ability to blend innocence with a hint of rebellion.
3. “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” (1966)
“Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” holds an interesting place in music history, initially becoming a hit for Cher in 1966. Written by her then-husband and musical partner, Sonny Bono, the song is a haunting ballad of lost love and childhood innocence.
Nancy Sinatra covered “Bang Bang” the same year, lending her signature cool to the melancholic tune. While not initially released as a single, Nancy Sinatra’s version gained traction over time, finding renewed popularity when it was powerfully featured in the opening scene of Quentin Tarantino’s 2003 film, Kill Bill: Volume 1. This cinematic placement introduced Nancy Sinatra’s rendition to a new generation, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
4. “How Does That Grab You, Darlin’?” (1966)
“How Does That Grab You, Darlin’?” immediately strikes a familiar chord, bearing a sonic resemblance to “These Boots Were Made for Walkin’.” Capitalizing on a winning formula, this song reinforces Nancy Sinatra’s image as a strong, independent woman.
Similar to her earlier hit, Nancy confidently dismisses a no-good man, memorably labeling him “a smart alec tomcat.” With the defiant line, “This girl is leavin’ you behind,” Nancy Sinatra delivers another empowering anthem of female self-assurance, wrapped in a catchy, 60s pop package.
5. “Somethin’ Stupid” (1967)
“Somethin’ Stupid” is perhaps one of the most unique entries in Nancy Sinatra’s catalog, not just for its gentle melody, but for its iconic duet partnership. This 1967 smash hit brought together two generations of Sinatras: Nancy and her legendary father, Frank Sinatra.
The ballad achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first and only father-daughter duet to ever reach the top of the Billboard pop charts. While seemingly innocuous, a closer listen to the lyrics reveals a slightly unusual dynamic, as father and daughter sing from the perspective of a romantic couple. Nancy herself playfully acknowledged this in a 2008 interview, humorously referencing its “Incest Song” nickname, showcasing the song’s quirky, and slightly controversial, charm. This Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra collaboration remains a fascinating and beloved piece of pop history.
6. “Summer Wine” (1967)
Lee Hazlewood was the creative force behind many of Nancy Sinatra’s most enduring songs, and “Summer Wine” stands as a testament to their fruitful collaboration. This track, evoking the atmosphere of a classic Western film, marked the first of their successful duets.
The combination of Hazlewood’s distinct cowboy drawl and Nancy Sinatra’s alluring femme fatale vocals proved to be an irresistible blend for audiences. “Summer Wine” is a perfect example of the magic created when Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra joined forces, crafting a song that is both cinematic and deeply romantic.
7. “Some Velvet Morning” (1967)
The 1960s were a time of musical experimentation, and “Some Velvet Morning” is a prime example of the era’s adventurous spirit. This psychedelic and somewhat eerie duet, again with Lee Hazlewood, delves into mythological themes, referencing the Greek princess Phaedra.
Unconventionally structured, the male and female vocals intentionally don’t quite harmonize in a traditional duet style, creating a singular, evocative sound that continues to influence artists today. Nancy Sinatra herself admitted in a 2023 interview that regarding the enigmatic lyrics, “[I had no idea what it was about]. I don’t know if Lee even had an idea either.” This Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood collaboration is a testament to their willingness to push musical boundaries.
8. “Jackson” (1967)
“Jackson” is a song with a rich history, initially popularized by country music royalty, Johnny and June Carter Cash. Their dynamic rendition of this duet about a restless and somewhat unhappy marriage became a country standard.
In 1967, Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood brought their own unique interpretation to “Jackson.” Trading the psychedelic textures of “Some Velvet Morning” for a more down-to-earth country saloon vibe, their version offers a different perspective on the song’s marital drama. Songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler revealed that the intense relationship dynamics in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? inspired the song’s narrative, adding another layer of depth to this Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood rendition.
9. “You Only Live Twice” (1967)
Nancy Sinatra’s contribution to the James Bond franchise, the theme song for the 1967 film You Only Live Twice, is widely considered one of the best Bond themes ever recorded. The song opens with a breathtaking orchestral swell, instantly creating a sense of cinematic grandeur and suspense.
“You Only Live Twice” perfectly captures the epic glamour and dramatic intrigue synonymous with the James Bond films. Nancy Sinatra’s vocals, combined with the lush orchestration, deliver a theme song that is both timeless and thrilling, solidifying its place in both Bond and Nancy Sinatra song history.
10. “Tony Rome” (1967)
The 1967 thriller Tony Rome starred Frank Sinatra as the titular character, an ex-cop turned private investigator. While the film itself didn’t achieve the blockbuster status of You Only Live Twice, it provided another opportunity to capitalize on the Sinatra name and Nancy’s knack for creating cinematic pop.
Nancy Sinatra recorded the theme song for Tony Rome, a track that embodies the cool, detective vibe of the film. Though perhaps less iconic than some of her other hits from the same year, “Tony Rome” is a solid example of Nancy Sinatra’s ability to deliver songs that perfectly complement the mood and style of their respective films.
The Enduring Appeal of Nancy Sinatra Songs
While Nancy Sinatra’s most commercially successful songs emerged in the 1960s, her career extends far beyond that decade. Continuing to release albums well into the 2010s, Nancy Sinatra has proven her lasting relevance. The use of her music in films, television shows, and commercials in the 2000s introduced her to a new generation of listeners. Recent reissues of her classic work have further solidified her legacy, and she is cited as an influence by a diverse range of artists, from indie rock icon Kim Gordon to country star Kacey Musgraves and retro-pop queen Lana Del Rey.
Nancy Sinatra may be retired from performing today, but her impact on music and her legacy of stylish, empowered pop songs remain undeniably relevant and influential. Her music continues to resonate, proving that Nancy Sinatra is far more than just a footnote in music history; she is a true icon in her own right.
