I Love You a Thousand Ways is the story of one of the most loved, respected, and imitated singer/songwriters in the history of country music, a man whose songs touched the lives of millions of people. Lefty Frizzell's relaxed style of singing proved to be a huge influence on a wide variety of country and pop music stars such as Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, George Jones, John Fogerty, George Strait, and Tim McGraw.
In addition to his incredible vocal talents, Lefty was widely recognized for his songwriting skills. He had four songs in the country top ten at the same time in 1951-a feat that would only be repeated one more time on any chart, when The Beatles had five songs on the pop chart in 1964. Among Lefty's many hits are: "If You've Got the Money, I've Got the Time," "Mom and Dad's Waltz," "The Long Black Veil," and "Saginaw, Michigan."
Willie Nelson's 1977 album, To Lefty From Willie, was a tribute to Frizzell and consisted entirely of cover versions of Frizzell songs. Fellow Texan Roy Orbison was also a devout fan of Frizzell's sound. In 1988, as a part of the Traveling Wilburys, Orbison chose the name "Lefty Wilbury" in honor of his musical hero.
Lefty was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. I Love You a Thousand Ways is a long overdue, beautiful tribute to one of the most underrated musicians of all time, a man whose music continues to influence new generations of musicians and music fans.
About the Author :
David Frizzell began his career in music as a teenager, accompanying and performing alongside his older brother, music legend William "Lefty" Frizzell. In 1981 he recorded his first number-one country hit, "You're the Reason God Made Oklahoma," a duet with Shelly West. In 1982, David hit number one on the country charts with his solo single, "I'm Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate Our Home," which was nominated for Song of the Year at the 1982 Grammy Awards. He continues to record and perform at venues around the world to this day.
Merle Haggard is one of the most influential singers, guitarists, instrumentalists, and songwriters in the history of country music. A multiple Grammy award winner with 38 number-one hits to his name, Haggard was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1977 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1984.
Review :
“I can’t think of anyone better to tell the story of my friend, Lefty Frizzell, than his little brother, David, who is also one of the best country singers in his own right. The first song that I learned to sing when I started singing was ‘Mom and Dad’s Waltz.’ He will always be one of the greatest country singers that ever lived. David, I love you and thank you for telling Lefty’s story.”
—Loretta Lynn, country music legend
“I Love You a Thousand Ways is an extraordinary personal account of one of the most historic eras in country music. It’s both a fascinating and detailed recollection of heartbreak and success, and a look at what it took to come from having nothing to having it all. The Lefty Frizzell influence can still be heard in today’s music. Well done, David Frizzell! Movies are made of great stories such as this one.”
—Charlie Chase, national television and radio host, Crook & Chase
“A ‘must-read’ for true traditional country music fans—or for anyone who seeks a good read. David has offered up a warm and compelling tribute to his brother, Lefty. And it is a tribute to my good friend David for capturing the voice of simpler times, and for doing such a superlative job in putting into words a ‘snapshot’ of yesteryear. My dad and Lefty, in the days David so creatively reconstructs, were at the top of their respective games. They toured together, they traveled together, they ate together, they drank together, they lived together and, between them, at one point they dominated the charts together. This book is as close as you will ever get to being a fly on the wall of our earliest superstars when they didn’t know they were, and when their everyday existence permeated their music, their lives, and their creative muses. You’re gonna love it!”
—Jett Williams, country music star and daughter of Hank Williams, Sr.
“I’m reading your book, I Love You a Thousand Ways, and can honestly say that I can’t put it down! I have never read a book based on the life of one of our entertainers that is stronger or more enjoyable than this. Sure, it has its super-sad moments, but that’s what adds to the value! It’s honest, and it’s real! If I can help in any way in promoting this work of art, just let me know. You have my full endorsement and support. It will be an honor.”
—Bill Mack, Country Music Hall of Fame DJ and XM and SIRIUS radio host, Willie’s Place
“Thanks for the bio on Lefty. It reads well, David—and tells it like it really was. I enjoy talking about Lefty. He was a real good buddy. I just loved him so much. He’s the kind of feller you’d want in your foxhole. You’d know you could count on him when the bullets started flying. We had many great times together.”
—Mel Tillis, country music legend
“The Frizzell family name is one of the most revered in the history of country music. David Frizzell has given us a glimpse into the family circle, and it’s an honored place to be.”
—Marty Stuart, country music star
“I Love You a Thousand Ways is one of the most heartfelt books I have read because it is written from one brother’s love for another brother. And I should know something about brotherly love. This book is open, honest and innocent about the triumphs and struggles of a talented man and his music, a man and a family who made and is still making an impact on country music today. When you start reading this book you will not want to put it down, it is written with love and admiration in every word. I loved it a thousand ways and I know you will too.
—Jimmy Fortune, formerly of The Statler Brothers
