There’s a lot of truth to the notion that if Lefty Frizzell had died young like his contemporary Hank Williams -and Lefty was easily as popular, they were friends and toured together– he would easily be just as huge a legend as Hank. And while most don’t know his name, he influenced so many country stars. Probably the most well-known is Merle Haggard, who idolized Lefty and goes out of his way to emulate Frizzell’s phrasing and delivery. So here’s “Please Don’t Stay Away So Long”, one of my very favorite Lefty songs. Check out how spare the instrumentation is and the almost utter lack of production.
Hard to believe there was a time when country didn’t suck, eh? This is your open thread: play me some of your favorite songs.
