Lee Hazlewood

Biography

Barton Lee Hazlewood was born on July 9, 1929, in Mannford, Oklahoma, and grew up moving across Arkansas, Kansas, and other areas due to his father's work as an oil-driller. He began developing his skills in songwriting and broadcasting in the early 1950s, producing his first notable hit with Sanford Clark's 1956 rockabilly track 'The Fool,' which featured an innovative guitar sound achieved with session guitarist Al Casey. Hazlewood's career accelerated when he partnered with Duane Eddy, co-writing and producing Eddy's breakthrough instrumental 'Moovin' 'n' Groovin'' in 1958, which reached the Billboard Hot 100, establishing his reputation as a producer blending country, rockabilly, and experimental elements.[2][3][5][6]

In the 1960s, Hazlewood achieved massive success revitalizing Nancy Sinatra's career, writing and producing her global #1 hit 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'' in 1966, along with other chart-toppers like 'Sugar Town' and duets such as 'Summer Wine' and 'Some Velvet Morning,' often arranged by Billy Strange. His style evolved into a distinctive 'cowboy psychedelia' or baroque pop sound, marked by his deep bass drawl, eccentric lyrics, and subversive pop experiments. He founded labels like LHI (Lee Hazlewood Industries) in 1966, releasing works by various artists, and produced hits like Frank Sinatra and Nancy's 'Somethin' Stupid' in 1967. Later, he spent time in Sweden, recording albums like 'Nancy & Lee Again' in 1972.[1][2][6][7]

Hazlewood's legacy endures as a versatile innovator in pop, country, and psychedelia, with his collaborations praised for shaping underground sounds. He passed away on August 4, 2007, leaving a cult following for his mystical, self-deprecating tales.[4][6]

Fun Facts

• Hazlewood was inspired to write 'Some Velvet Morning' by Greek mythology stories he read to his children.[2]
• He produced the only father-daughter #1 Hot 100 duet, Frank and Nancy Sinatra's 'Somethin' Stupid' in 1967, which earned a Grammy nomination.[6]
• His first production 'The Fool' used a guitar lick inspired by Hubert Sumlin's playing on Howlin' Wolf's 'Smokestack Lightning,' transforming a country song into a rockabilly hit.[3]
• Hazlewood funded the 1972 album 'Nancy & Lee Again' with Nancy Sinatra using their own money after label disinterest, achieving a UK #2 hit with 'Did You Ever'.[2]

Associated Acts

• S & H Scamps (1961–present)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Hubert Sumlin - stylistic influence on guitar sound via Howlin' Wolf's records ('Smokestack Lightning' inspiring 'The Fool') [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Duane Eddy - key production and songwriting partner for instrumental hits ('Moovin' 'n' Groovin'') [1958]
• Nancy Sinatra - producer, songwriter, and duet partner for major hits ('These Boots Are Made for Walkin'', 'Summer Wine', 'Some Velvet Morning', 'Nancy & Lee' albums) [1966-1972]
• Billy Strange - frequent arranger for singles and albums (Nancy Sinatra hits like 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'') [1960s]
• Sanford Clark - early production and songwriting for rockabilly hits ('The Fool', 'Usta Be My Baby') [1956-1957]
• Al Casey - session guitarist experimenting with signature guitar tones ('The Fool') [1950s]
• Lester Sill - business partner co-founding Gregmark Records (early releases including Duane Eddy tracks) [1950s]

Artists Influenced

• Phil Spector - influenced production techniques like 'wall of sound' (N/A) [1960s]
• Jack Nitzsche - worked with and influenced by Hazlewood's production style (N/A) [1960s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #country