Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin” Performance That Lit Up The Ed Sullivan Show

When it comes to the Sinatras, musical talent seems to run in the family. Nancy Sinatra proved that point when she stepped into the spotlight with her hit song, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” Carrying on the legacy of her legendary father, Frank Sinatra, she showed that she wasn’t just living in his shadow. Nancy brought her own style and attitude to the music scene.

By the time Nancy Sinatra took the stage on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on February 27, 1966, she was already six years into her music career and had found her signature lower vocal range. That night, she delivered a performance that would become iconic.

Dressed in bold, colorful 60s fashion, Nancy captivated the audience, not just with her voice, but with her energy, dancing alongside her go-go dancers. The live performance was every bit as electric as her hit recording.

Although she’s now recognized for her country-inspired music, Nancy Sinatra didn’t always have that musical style. Back in 1965, she was still searching for her big break in the U.S. Without a hit to her name, she teamed up with producer Lee Hazlewood, who gave her a pivotal piece of advice: “sing for the truckers.”

This suggestion sparked a transformation in both her sound and image. She began singing in deeper tones and embraced a bold new look—complete with bleach-blonde hair and Carnaby Street fashion—marking the beginning of her rise as a music icon.

In early 1966, Nancy Sinatra’s hit song, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” took the music world by storm. The single quickly became a massive success, selling over a million copies and earning her several prestigious awards, including a gold disc.

Its soaring popularity and her rise to the top of the charts caught the attention of “The Ed Sullivan Show,” a stage reserved for the era’s biggest stars. And that’s why we enjoyed such a breathtaking performance.