Frizzell, Lefty

Autor: Frizzell, Lefty
Rok: 1928-1975

Biogr./Hist. údaje: Americký country zpěvák, skladatel, kytarista.
Zdroj: Autoritní databáze Národní knihovny ČR

William Orville "Lefty" Frizzell (March 31, 1928 – July 19, 1975) was an American country music singer-songwriter and was one of the most definitive honky-tonk singers of country music. A vocalist who set the style of singing "the country way" for the generations that followed, Frizzell became one of the most successful and influential artists of country music throughout his stellar career. He gained prominence in 1950 after two major hits, and throughout the decade was a very popular country performer. He smoothed out the rough edges of a honky tonk song by sounding out syllables longer and singing longer. Because of this, his music become much more mainstream without losing its honky tonk attitude and persona.Frizzell is one of the most influential artists in country history. Among the artists he influenced are George Jones, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, and John Fogerty. He laid a foundation for the many generations of country music performers that followed him. Because of this, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982. Though he started his career being influenced by his competitors, Frizzell rose to fame and became one of country's most important artists. After the Death of Hank Williams in 1953, Frizzell's fame grew further, and he released many songs that charted in the Top 10 of the Hot Country Songs charts. Despite this success, it would not carry on into the 1960's, and after suffering from alcoholism, he died at age 47.