While his career first started back in the late 50s, David Frizzell only turned out to be a country icon in his own right during the 1980s. Since then, he built a career that made him one of the highly respected country artists who charted a number of hits.
Today, David continues to perform and engages in various other creative projects. Learn more about him with these fun facts.
1. He’s a native of El Dorado, Arkansas.
Born on September 26, 1941, David Frizzell is the younger brother of legendary country artist Lefty Frizzell. At the age of 12, David joined Lefty’s show and toured with him all through the 1950s and 1960s.
But prior to that, David had his first radio at the age of nine.
2. He served in the U.S. Air Force.
In the 1960s, David served in the Air Force for four years in the midst of the Vietnam War. After that, he went back to his music career and chased after his dreams of becoming a solo artist. Soon enough, he signed with Columbia Records and charted his first country chart.
3. He made regular appearances on Buck Owens’ All American TV Show.
David appeared on various country television shows, hoping for his big break until 1973. He joined the Buck Owens’ All American TV Show – which prominence led David to sign a deal with Capitol Records and record some of the best hits in his career.
4. He teamed up with Shelly West quite a lot of times.
Several of David Frizzell songs were in collaboration with country star Dottie West‘s daughter, Shelly. The duo’s “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma” became a country radio hit after it was featured in a film that starred Clint Eastwood.
The song then earned various accolades, including Song of the Year and Vocal Duet of the Year from the Country Music Association. It was also nominated for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal during the Grammy Awards.
5. He wrote a tribute book to his brother, Lefty.
In 2011, David published I Love You A Thousand Ways: The Lefty Frizzell Story – which comes with an audio version that features David’s sincere and emotive narration as well as some of Lefty’s music. It was hailed by CMT as one of the best music books.
6. He once brought together some of the genre’s top performers.
In 2008, David released Frizzell & Friends: This is Our Time, which featured country superstars Crystal Gale, Merle Haggard, Jimmy Fortune, and so much more.
Truly, David Frizzell is one of a kind, who never stops sharing his many gifts for the pleasure of fans.
