Lefty Frizzell

Country Singer. With one of the most distinctive voices in country music, his relaxed style was a major influence on musicians such as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison and Randy Travis. Between 1950 and 1953 he had thirteen hit records, writing and performing songs that have become standards in country music. His hits included “Mom and Dad’s Waltz,” “Saginaw Michigan, “I Love You a Thousand Ways,” “Always Late.” and “Long Black Veil,” later recorded by Johnny Cash. He performed at the Grand Ole Opry, toured with the Louisiana Hayride, was the first country singer to appear in the Hollywood Bowl and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His hits are still recorded by performers in contemporary country music, but despite his influence, his music is largely forgotten. In 1975 he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and in 1982, to the Country Music Hall of Fame.