Lefty Frizzell (1928-1975)
William
Orville Frizzell was born in Corsicana, Texas on March 31,1928. He was raised in
the oil fields of Texas and New Mexico, and was strongly influenced by the
records of Jimmie Rodgers. He got the nickname "Lefty" after winning a
schoolyard fight with a left cross.
Based in California for most of his early career, Lefty had five #1 hits between 1950 and 1952: "If You've Got The Money, I've Got The Time", "I Love You A Thousand Ways", "I Want To Be With You Always" and "Always Late (With Your Kisses"), which topped the charts for 12 weeks, and "Give Me More, More, More (Of Your Kisses)".
Though he remained a popular concert performer, he had no more chart success until 1959 with "The Long Black Veil", which was a top 10 hit. He then moved to Nashville in 1962 and had his last #1 hit in 1964 with "Saginaw, Michigan".
Lefty has been called country's greatest singer, and many performers have been greatly influenced by his phrasing and vocal curls, most notably, Merle Haggard.
Lefty died after suffering several strokes on July 19,1975.
Lefty Frizzell was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.
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