Biography
Lee Hazlewood was born Barton Lee Hazlewood on July 9, 1929, in Mannford, Oklahoma, and spent his formative years moving throughout the American South and Midwest, particularly in Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Louisiana. His father worked in the oil industry and promoted dances, exposing Lee to a variety of musical styles, including blues, country, pop, and bluegrass. After a stint studying medicine at Southern Methodist University, Hazlewood served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, working as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio in Japan before returning to civilian life.[4][1]
Hazlewood began his music career as a radio DJ in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving into songwriting and production. He first gained national attention in the late 1950s as the producer and co-writer of guitarist Duane Eddy's reverb-heavy instrumental hits. However, his greatest fame came in the 1960s through his partnership with Nancy Sinatra, for whom he wrote and produced the chart-topping 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin’' and a string of other hits. Hazlewood’s solo work and collaborations are celebrated for their unique blend of country, pop, psychedelia, and cinematic storytelling, often described as 'cowboy psychedelia' or 'baroque pop.'[4][2][1]
Though Hazlewood never achieved mainstream stardom as a performer, his deep baritone, offbeat humor, and innovative production techniques earned him a cult following and lasting influence. He became a reclusive figure in later years, but his work has been rediscovered and championed by alternative and indie artists, cementing his legacy as one of pop’s most original and influential figures.[1][3][4]
Fun Facts
- Hazlewood wrote 'Some Velvet Morning' after reading Greek mythology stories to his children, specifically inspired by the character Phaedra.[2]
- He was a pioneer in record production, teaching a young Phil Spector techniques that would later shape the 'Wall of Sound.'[2]
- Hazlewood abruptly left the U.S. music scene at the height of his fame, becoming a cult figure in Europe, especially in Sweden, where he lived and recorded for several years.[4]
- His final album, 'Cake or Death,' was titled after a comedy routine by Eddie Izzard and recorded after his cancer diagnosis.[1]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Blues and Country Musicians of the Gulf Coast - Hazlewood was exposed to and influenced by the blues and country traditions of the Gulf Coast during his youth in Texas. (Early songwriting and production style) [1940s]
- Pop and Bluegrass Artists - Hazlewood grew up listening to pop and bluegrass, which informed his eclectic musical style. (Solo albums and productions) [1930s-1940s]
Key Collaborators
- Nancy Sinatra - Hazlewood wrote, produced, and performed duets with Nancy Sinatra, creating some of the most iconic pop hits of the 1960s. (These Boots Are Made for Walkin’, Some Velvet Morning, Nancy & Lee album) [1965–1970s]
- Duane Eddy - Hazlewood produced and co-wrote instrumental hits for guitarist Duane Eddy, pioneering the use of reverb-heavy guitar sounds. (Rebel Rouser, Peter Gunn, Movin’ and Groovin’) [1957–1962]
- Billy Strange - Guitarist and arranger who worked closely with Hazlewood on many productions, especially with Nancy Sinatra. (Nancy & Lee sessions, solo albums) [1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Nick Cave - Cited Hazlewood’s songwriting and dark, cinematic style as a major influence on his own work. (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds discography) [1980s–present]
- Sonic Youth - Drummer Steve Shelley reissued Hazlewood’s albums and the band has cited his experimental approach as influential. (Hazlewood reissues, Sonic Youth’s later albums) [1990s–2000s]
- Calexico - The band’s blend of Americana and cinematic storytelling draws from Hazlewood’s legacy. (Tribute performances, original albums) [2000s]
- Jarvis Cocker - Participated in the tribute album 'Total Lee! The Songs of Lee Hazlewood' and has spoken about Hazlewood’s impact. (Total Lee! The Songs of Lee Hazlewood) [2002]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Nancy & Lee | 2022-05-20 | Album |
| The Very Special World Of Lee Hazlewood (Expanded Edition) | 1966-09-17 | Album |
| Bingo (Mit Bonussongs) | 2019-01-18 | Album |
| The LHI Years: Singles, Nudes & Backsides (1968-71) | 2012-04-23 | Album |
| Cowboy in Sweden (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | 2016-11-25 | Album |
| Nancy & Lee Again | 2023-03-24 | Album |
| Strung Out On Something New: The Reprise Recordings | 1964-06-15 | Album |
| Requiem for an Almost Lady | 2017-10-20 | Album |
| Nancy & Lee 3 | 2004-05-24 | Album |
| Cowboy In Sweden (Deluxe Edition) | 2024-02-09 | Album |
| The LHI Years: Singles, Nudes & Backsides (1968-71) | 2012-04-21 | Album |
| How Does That Grab You? | 1966-01-01 | Album |
| Cowboy in Sweden | 2016-11-25 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Summer Wine (Nancy & Lee)
- Summer Wine (Start Walkin' 1965-1976)
- Some Velvet Morning (Start Walkin' 1965-1976)
- Your Sweet Love (The Very Special World Of Lee Hazlewood (Expanded Edition))
- Lady Bird (Start Walkin' 1965-1976)
- My Autumn's Done Come (The Very Special World Of Lee Hazlewood (Expanded Edition))
- Jackson (Start Walkin' 1965-1976)
- You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (Nancy & Lee)
- Paris Summer (Start Walkin' 1965-1976)
- Some Velvet Morning (Nancy & Lee)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
LEE HAZELWOOD has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | 23:06 | MY AUTUMN'S DONE COME | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Nov 10, 2025 | 23:03 | WALK ON OUT OF MY MIND | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |