That unforgettable “dooby-dooby-doo” still echoes through music history. When Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers In The Night” hit #1 in 1966, it became more than a chart-topper; it became a cultural phenomenon that even Ol’ Blue Eyes couldn’t escape, despite his famous disdain for the song.
This rare footage captures Sinatra mid-career, turning what he called “a piece of junk” into pure gold. Watch how he shrugs through the verses like a mob boss doing taxes, then suddenly comes alive during the iconic scat; his fingers snapping, shoulders rolling, as if even he couldn’t resist the song’s magic. The way he delivers “love was just a glance away, a warm embracing dance away” with that trademark smirk? That’s why it sold millions.
Frank Sinatra – Strangers In The Night (Live Performance)
Comments explode with love: “The Undisputed MASTER” and “My mother’s favorite song!” flood the feed. Fans adore the backstory too; how those “dooby-dooby-doo” sounds inspired Scooby-Doo’s name (confirmed by animators!). Yet the most revealing comment? “You’ll hear Frank say ‘That’s the worst f’n song I ever heard!!!'” proof that even Sinatra’s rejects became classics.
But here’s the twist: this “throwaway” song sparked one of Sinatra’s most explosive creative periods. Just one year later, he’d record a album so raw, it would change music forever!
Sinatra’s ‘That’s Life’ – The Comeback Anthem
After “Strangers”, Sinatra rebelled with “That’s Life” all swagger and brass. This 1967 performance shows him snarling the lyrics like a man possessed, turning resentment into art. The sweat flying off his brow during “I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate” proves why critics call it his punk rock moment.
Follow Frank Sinatra Official for more juicy backstories; like how he’d light a cigarette mid-“Strangers” just to spite the song. Their #SinatraSaidNo series reveals other hits he hated (then made iconic).