David Frizzell from Radio to Records, Carrying on the Legacy of Traditional Country Music By: Claire Ratliff Country music’s living legend, David Frizzell, is responsible for some of the mostplayed country radio hits of all time. His chart-topping song “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home” remains a country music standard, and has been featured on CMT’s 40 Greatest Drinking Songs, making #17 on the list. At #6 on CMT’s countdown of the 100 Greatest Duets is “You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma,” a song Frizzell recorded with duo partner, Shelly West. That song was chosen by Clint Eastwood for the soundtrack of the movie, Any Which Way You Can. [Pictured Right: David Frizzell with brother, Lefty’s guitar & Shelly West with “I Love You A Thousand Ways: The Lefty Frizzell Story” written by David as a tribute to Lefty’s life and career.] Frizzell & West remains one of the most-awarded acts in entertainment; one that sold out arenas worldwide and produced five albums. The duo twice won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo of the Year award, twice won the Academy of Country Music award for Vocal Duet of the Year and were awarded the ACM Song of the Year award. They also received the Music City News Award for Duet of the Year twice and Song of the Year as well. During his duet years with West, Frizzell continued a vibrant solo career. Along with his CMA awards, Frizzell has won numerous performing and recording trophies from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard and Music City News. He has been nominated for three Grammys, both as part of Frizzell & West and as a solo artist. Frizzell remains devoted to more traditional sounds in the genre, but believes there is room for everyone on country radio.
“I love what artists like Chris Stapleton, Mo Pitney, Sturgill Simpson and others are bringing to the table,” Frizzell says. “It’s a nice balance with the more contemporary, pop sounding songs, and I think we need that balance. There’s always room for good music and I’d like to see more of that traditional sound and the artists who make it.” Since broadening the scope of his Nashville America Records label, multi-awardwinning country music artist, David Frizzell has overseen the release of some fine, new, traditional country music. For many years, the label was primarily a vehicle for Frizzell’s own projects including his highly successful Frizzell & Friends collaborations which feature some of David’s legendary friends. Earlier in 2018, however, Nashville America Records released the debut album from country newcomer and Kentucky native, Sarah Patrick, an exciting new singer/songwriter whom Frizzell compares to a young Loretta Lynn. That album, The Woman I Am, features a mix of covers and Sarah’s original music. The 3rd release from Sarah is one of her own originals, “To Stay,” hitting radio in early February 2019. [Pictured Right: Nashville America Records Artist Sarah Patrick and David Frizzell in studio.] “I am moved by artists who are real and innately talented. One of the reasons I signed Sarah to my record label was her NashvilleMusicGuide.com
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