Nancy Sinatra might be known as the daughter of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, but over the years she has enjoyed a successful singing and acting career in her own right. In particular, the pop ditty 'These Boots are made for Walking' earned Nancy international acclaim.
Early life
Nancy Sinatra was born in New Jersey in 1940. Having a famous father, it was only natural that she was immersed into the Hollywood scene from an early age. A young Nancy took lessons in voice tuition, piano, drama and dance, paving the way for her to follow in her dad's footsteps.
Frank and his daughter enjoyed a close relationship. He even dedicated a song to her in 1945, entitled 'Nancy (with the Laughing Face)'. When Nancy dropped out of college, Frank came to the rescue and landed her a spot on his television show.
Frank also got his daughter signed to his record label, Reprise Records - however, with limited success. Unnerved by his daughter's lack of music stardom, Frank enlisted the help of a record producer to bag her a hit record. When Nancy became acquainted with singer-songwriter Lee Hazlewood, Frank's wish came true.
Walking to success
Hazlewood had written a song 'These Boots are made for Walking', which caught Nancy's attention. Although the song was originally intended for a man to sing, Nancy persuaded Hazlewood that it sounded better coming from a woman.
With assistance from session musicians the Wrecking Crew, and Nancy on vocals, Hazlewood's song was released in December 1965. It became an instant smash. A couple of months later 'These Boots are made for Walking' stomped all the way to number one in the USA and UK, as well as in other countries. The hit was accompanied by a video where Nancy strutted about in long boots alongside a bevy of go-go dancers.
Hazlewood gained inspiration for 'These Boots are made for Walking' from a line in the 1963 western comedy, 4 for Texas - also featuring Frank Sinatra himself. The hit went on to become one of the most iconic songs of that decade, selling more than a million copies. It earned a gold disc and three Grammy Award nominations.
Nancy went on to have a string of other hits, including 'How does that grab you Darlin'?' and 'Sugar Town'. She dueted with her father on 'Somethin' Stupid', which spent several weeks at number one, and she also featured on the James Bond film theme track, You Only Live Twice. Nancy continued recording during the 1970s, still working with Hazlewood on some tracks.
Nancy also enjoyed an acting career, appearing in three teen musicals as well as films such as The Oscar, The Wild Angels and Speedway.
Cover versions
'These Boots are made for Walking' is arguably Nancy Sinatra's most well-known track, and over the years several artists have released their own take on this popular tune. Most famously, Jessica Simpson released her version in 2005, changing a lot of the lyrics. It gave her a top five hit in several European countries.
Rock band Megadeth also put their own spin on the song for their 1985 album. Additionally, Ella Fitzgerald, Paula Yates, Geri Halliwell and Lil' Kim all promoted girl power through singing their own versions of the track.
The song also features in several films, including Full Metal Jacket, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Ocean's 8. More recently, it has been used for an H&M advert in France.
'These Boots are made for Walking' still remains an iconic song to this day. If you want to step out in highly respected footwear, you won't put a foot wrong with the wide range of Hunter boots available at MA Griggs.