Lee Hazlewood & Nancy Sinatra: "Summer Wine"

Piano solo versions of "Summer Wine" by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood transform the sultry duet into a haunting, elegant interpretation that highlights the song’s mysterious allure. Stripped of its original Western-style instrumentation, the piano arrangement brings a dreamy, cinematic quality that emphasizes the sensual and melancholic undertones of the melody.

This post is part eleven of the Mild & Mellow Sheet Music Series.

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About Lee Hazlewood:

Lee Hazlewood was an American singer, songwriter, and producer best known for his distinctive baritone voice and for pioneering a unique blend of country, pop, and psychedelic sounds in the 1960s and 1970s. He first rose to fame writing and producing hits for Duane Eddy before forging a successful solo career and gaining widespread recognition for his work with Nancy Sinatra. Their 1966 hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” and the sultry duet “Summer Wine” showcased Hazlewood’s gift for crafting moody, cinematic songs with unconventional arrangements and darkly poetic lyrics. His deep voice and laid-back delivery gave his work an unmistakable presence, often adding an element of mystery and gravitas.

Though never a mainstream pop star in the traditional sense, Hazlewood became a cult figure admired for his originality and genre-defying approach to music. He was known for his storytelling lyrics, often laced with irony, melancholy, and dry humor. Hazlewood’s influence can be heard in a wide range of artists across genres, from alternative country to indie rock. Later in his life, his music enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, particularly in Europe, and his collaborations with artists like Nancy Sinatra have remained iconic. His legacy endures as a trailblazer who carved out a singular voice in the landscape of American music.

About “Summer Wine”:

“Summer Wine” is one of Lee Hazlewood’s most iconic songs, written by Hazlewood and first recorded as a duet with Suzi Jane Hokom before becoming a hit through his sultry 1967 collaboration with Nancy Sinatra. The song tells the story of a seductive encounter between a man and a mysterious woman who offers him “summer wine” that leaves him intoxicated and robbed, both literally and metaphorically. With its moody, cinematic arrangement, sweeping strings, and the contrast between Sinatra’s airy vocals and Hazlewood’s deep baritone, the song blends elements of folk, pop, and country-western to create a uniquely immersive experience. Its narrative structure and dreamy yet eerie tone helped distinguish it from other pop songs of the era.

🎶 “Summer Wine” Intermediate: Lyrical Version

Key features of this version:

Full recorded version of the song stylized for piano solo with multiple transpositions
Vocal line is set in two different octaves to highlight the difference between the male and female vocalists in the original recording
8 total pages
Includes full lyrics
Run time is approximately 5:45

Summer Wine (Intermediate: Lyrical Version)

Summer Wine, originally performed by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood, and popularly covered by Lana Del Rey in a stylized lyrical arrangement for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund. This is a mellow version with multiple transpositions and a run time around 5:45.

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🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:

🎶 “Summer Wine” Intermediate Piano Solo

Key features of this version:

Full recorded version of the song stylized for piano solo with multiple transpositions
Vocal line is set lower and in range to emulate the original recording
8 total pages
Includes full lyrics
Run time is approximately 5:20