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David Frizzell Carrying on the Legacy
David Frizzell from Radio to Records, Carrying on the Legacy of Traditional Country Music
By: Claire Ratliff
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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.]
Additionally, David produced what would be the final recording by the iconic Freddie Hart, known as “Mr. Easy Lovin’.” The singer/songwriter, who enjoyed a vibrant career for decades and got his start with David’s brother, Lefty Frizzell, passed away on October 27th of 2018. Hart charted 48 songs in the Billboard Country Chart between 1959 and 1987 including several number one songs, with the biggest being his gold record, "Easy Loving" in 1971. His final album, God Bless You, is set for release in early 2019 on Nashville America Records.
“I met Freddie Hart when I was 12 years old,” Frizzell says. “He was one of the most talented singer-songwriters I've ever known. I toured with him and recorded songs by him. We both worked with Buck Owens in the early 70's, and I remember one day in Buck’s studio Freddie was recording demos and after each one he'd run over to me and ask if I liked it and whether I thought he was singing it alright. He was so talented and such a special artist and friend.
[Pictured Left: Freddie Hart & David Frizzell]
David’s life and his career are tightly woven into the fabric of country music history and lore. He is both legacy and legend with an unmistakable voice and a captivating style.
David Frizzell is one of the greatest voices in country music with a haunting resemblance to his older brother, the ultimate stylist, Lefty Frizzell. Both share that raw, forlorn quality that is essential to the interpretation of traditional country themes, but David’s voice is even more resonant and nuanced; a perfect instrument for conveying the deepest emotion of every lyric.
Summer 2018 also marked the debut of a new music festival in Corsicana, Texas. The first anual Frizzell & Friends Music Festival, nicknamed LeftyFest, was held June 16 in Corsicana, the birthplace of Lefty Frizzell, and featured both legendary and contemporary artists in support of traditional country music. The festival was recorded live by Nashville American Records and presented by The MoonTower at the Oaks to create a CD/DVD special, Frizzell & Friends Lefty Fest Live. The compliation includes 22 tracks on the album and 24 live performances on the film with special guests Allen Frizzell, Paulette Carlson, Marty Haggard, Lacy J Dalton, and Sarah Patrick.
[Pictured Left: Frizzell & Friends Lefty Fest Live CD/DVD Cover followed below by a picture of a young Lefty and David Frizzell.]
Writing, producing, touring and performing... David Frizzell is a timeless and tireless entertainer who continues to share his many gifts to the delight of fans old and new across the US and throughout the world.
Frizzell pledges that fans can continue to expect more music from his label, and from the man himself. The gifted singer, songwriter, producer and author always keeps an ear open for new talent as well.
For information on David Frizzell, Frizzell & Friends Releases, Nashville America Records, Lefty Fest and more visit, www.davidfrizzell.com.
