Singer David Frizzell bears a vocal resemblance to his older brother, Lefty Frizzell.
While they share the forlorn, stripped-down quality of singing that is so essential to interpreting traditional country themes, David’s voice is even more resonant and nuanced.
With the release of his 12th solo album, “Confidentially,” Frizzell reasserts the vocal stature that has earned him a string of radio hits, dozens of awards and prominence on concert stages around the world.
“Confidentially” features performances by Jimmy Fortune (of the Statler Brothers), John Cowan (New Grass Revival) and his first male/female duet in more than 10 years, “Why Wasn’t It Me.” Joining him in this song is Amy Clawson.
While still a teenager, David Frizzell left home to tour with his legendary brother. He worked the concert circuit with many of the mightiest names in country music. By his 18th birthday, Frizzell began recording country and rockabilly albums.
In spite of the difficulty of working in Lefty’s shadow, David created his own artistic identity. He recorded and charted the first country version of “L.A. International Airport” and followed with a Top 40 rendition of “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” the B.J. Thomas pop favorite.
Frizzell then parlayed his recording successes into headlining country shows in Las Vegas.
In the early 1980s, Frizzell founded the musical duo of Frizzell & West. His partner was Shelly West, daughter of country superstar Dottie West.
After recording “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma,” Frizzell & West was turned down by every major country label. Then their producer, Snuff Garrett, played the song for Clint Eastwood.
Frizzell & West went on to become one of the hottest and most-awarded acts in the business. They recorded five albums together, won the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo of the Year prize twice and sold out arenas worldwide.
During his duet years with West, Frizzell continued his solo career. He scored a chart-topping hit with “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home.” The record was recently featured on CMT’s 40 Greatest Drinking Songs in Country Music at No. 17. Making No. 6 in CMT’s countdown of the 100 Greatest Duets is “You’re The Reason God Made Oklahoma.”
In addition to his CMA awards, Frizzell has won numerous performing and recording trophies from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard and Music City News. He also has been nominated for three Grammys, both as part of Frizzell & West duet and as a solo act.
Apart from a 14-month tour to support his new album, Frizzell is also working on a television tribute to Lefty Frizzell and a series of children’s records and books.
