Originally a German tune from 1965, Summer Wind was given new life when legendary lyricist Johnny Mercer wrote English lyrics that captured the quiet drift of a summer romance slipping away.
Frank Sinatra recorded the definitive version a year later — smooth, swinging, and just slightly sad.
Since then, jazz musicians (and a few others) have taken the tune in all sorts of directions — vocal, instrumental, straight-ahead, modern, country-tinged.
It’s a melody that works whether you’re reflecting, relaxing, or just looking for something with some space in it.
Here are 6 versions worth checking out — each bringing something different to the table.
Let us know in the comments your favourite!
1. Frank Sinatra
Let’s start with the most iconic: Ol’ Blue Eyes himself
Backed by Nelson Riddle’s lush arrangement, Frank Sinatra’s take on “Summer Wind” gave it a relaxed swing feel and a dose of quiet melancholy.
It wasn’t his biggest hit, but it became one of his most enduring tracks — often played to close a show or mark the end of something good.
2. Ray Brown Trio (Live at the Loa)
This live instrumental version is all groove. With Gene Harris on piano and Jeff Hamilton on drums, Ray Brown’s trio stretch the melody into something playful, swinging, and deeply locked in.
No vocals needed — they let the tune breathe and bounce.
3. Kristin Korb
Kristin Korb brings a fresh vocal and bass-led take to Summer Wind.
Her version is light, lyrical, and rhythmically playful — with her signature mix of straight-ahead swing and vocal phrasing.
It’s a warm, musician-first interpretation that still keeps things accessible for casual listeners.
4. Scott Hamilton
Saxophonist Scott Hamilton delivers a classic tenor-led version of Summer Wind that feels like a nod to Lester Young — smooth, swinging, and understated.
With Dena DeRose on piano, the group brings just the right mix of polish and looseness.
5. Bob Berg
With a life cut tragcially short at just 51 years old, Bob Berg still remains one of the most influential saxophonists of his era.
Taken from his album Another Standard, Berg takes Summer Wind into more modern post-bop territory. The tempo’s up, the lines are sharper, and the harmony gets a touch more exploratory — but the essence of the tune still comes through.
A great example of how a well-worn standard can be reimagined with edge.
6. Willie Nelson
Didn’t expect to see this name in a list of great jazz performances, did you?!
But—in our opinion—it’s fully deserving; Willie Nelson’s late-career take is fragile, honest, and surprisingly emotional.
His phrasing — famously behind the beat — makes Summer Wind feel like it’s being remembered in real-time. The country-leaning arrangement gives it a completely different feel, but one that suits the song’s theme of things passing.
Summer Wind isn’t a technical showpiece. It’s not about chops or complexity. It’s a mood — something you step into for a few minutes and then carry with you after.
Whether you lean towards Sinatra’s version or one of the more modern cuts on this list, it’s a good reminder that sometimes the songs that stick around do so for a reason.
Which version’s your favourite? Did we miss a good one?
Drop it in the comments or reply to the newsletter — always curious to hear what others are listening to.