A Toast to Lefty

I want to thank Robert Hilburn for the excellent review he gave the new retrospective collection of Lefty Frizell’s performances (“Hail to the Real King,” May 9). I was pleased that Charles K. Wolfe asked for my recollections for his superb album biography of Lefty.

I met Lefty when his manager, Jim Beck, brought him to Nashville with his first release in 1950. Lefty’s appearance on my radio program was his first interview, and I remember it vividly. Lefty was a very shy man, and without his social lubricant, alcohol, he simply froze.

I had been featuring Lefty’s “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time” since its release, and my listeners were quite excited about the newcomer from Texas. Among those most interested was Hank Williams.

The interview was very one-sided. I asked Lefty a variety of questions, and all I elicited from him was “yes,” “no” and some indistinguishable grunts.

I agree with Hilburn’s premise. Lefty Frizell was a far more influential singer than Hank Williams. None have emulated Hank’s vocal style. Many newcomers have emulated Lefty. Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Jones and Randy Travis frequently sound like him.

Lefty’s shyness and lack of personal confidence limited one of country music’s most promising careers. Along with lack of personal drive, Lefty’s great thirst limited his career, as it shortened Hank Williams’. I shared many a drink with Hank and Lefty. I truly wish we had all exercised more restraint.

HUGH CHERRY

Seal Beach