William Orville Frizzell, known widely by his stage name Lefty Frizzell, was an influential American country music singer and songwriter who left a substantial impact on the genre. Born on March 31, 1928, in Corsicana, Texas, Lefty developed his unique style in the honky-tonks of the American Southwest. His smooth, drawling vocals paired with a distinct honky-tonk sound made him a key figure in country music during the 1950s and 1960s.

Lefty's music career took off with his first hit, "If You've Got the Money I've Got the Time," in 1950. Throughout his career, he charted numerous hits, including “I Love You a Thousand Ways,” “Always Late (With Your Kisses),” and “The Long Black Veil,” which have since become country standards. Known for his laid-back but heartfelt delivery, Frizzell's influence extends to generations of country artists, from George Jones and Willie Nelson to Merle Haggard, who famously cited Lefty as his primary influence. His long-standing relationship with Columbia Records is chronicled in the extensive collection of "The Complete Columbia Recording Sessions," encompassing his musical evolution up until his untimely death in 1975. Frizzell's legacy is encapsulated in albums such as “The Essential Lefty Frizzell” and “Look What Thoughts Will Do,” which continue to inspire and enthrall fans of authentic country music around the world.

Genres

Arkansas Country

Classic Country Pop

Honky Tonk

Traditional Country

Western Swing

Related Artists

Merle Haggard

George Jones

Marty Robbins

Hank Williams

Johnny Cash

Buck Owens

Ray Price

Faron Young

Webb Pierce

Johnny Horton

Ernest Tubb

Willie Nelson

Latest Release

Looking For You

Lefty Frizzell

Album - 12 Tracks - Released July 28, 2023