Like parent, like child. It is often that a son or daughter
follows in their parent’s footsteps in recording music. Frank
Sinatra’s daughter Nancy was famous for her #1 hit, “These Boots
Were Made For Walkin’,” one of the most enjoyable tunes of the
1960s. Rhino Records released
The Hit Years, a 1986 greatest hits compilation.
“So Long Babe” is another good hit, as it describes the pop
sound of the 1960s. It’s much different than what follows. With
“These Boots,” there were other tunes with the somewhat similar
melody, like “How Does That Grab You Darlin,” with a good dose of
country guitar and horns. Even “The Last Of The Secret Agents” has
the “These Boots” sound, as well as a James Bond atmosphere. She
would later record the title song to the James Bond film, “You Only
Live Twice.”
“Friday’s Child” has the blues/soul sound, and while Sinatra
doesn’t actually sound like a blues singer, the music is quite
impressive. “Sugar Town” is a great pop record, having a very
bouncy, happy-go-lucky sound. Another impressive tune is Sinatra’s
duet with Lee Hazlewood, “Summer Wine,” which has a more adult
country sound. Her more typical female pop sound with a blues twist
is heard on “Love Eyes.”
Nancy’s 2nd #1 hit was a duet with her father, “Somethin’
Stupid,” another great song, best described as easy listening.
Nancy does a great part in “Jackson,” a duet with Hazlewood and a
song that was also popular for Johnny Cash and June Carter.
“Lightning’s Girl” has a more adult pop sound. Another standout is
her duet with Hazlewood on “Some Velvet Morning,” a song with a
mysterious atmosphere that still easily fits the late-1960s pop
sound.
A little bit of country, a little bit of pop rock and roll best
defines Nancy Sinatra’s
The Hit Years. One artist comes to mind to compare her to —
Dusty Springfield. Nancy Sinatra’s music may be overlooked, but her
greatest hits are very enjoyable. She may not have been as popular
as her father, but she did prove that the child of a popular singer
can follow in his footsteps for a time.
