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Some Velvet Morning

Posted at 9:13 AM on January 29, 2007 by Tony Lopez (2 Comments)

It's strange to be mourning the death of an artist who hasn't died yet. But this is essentially what is happening right now with the reclusive genius Lee Hazlewood. He is stricken with terminal renal cancer and is, physically speaking, a mere shadow of the man he once was. He still manages, through it all, to maintain a sense of humor, however dark it is. He's a different type of Man in Black.

He wrote hits for Duane Eddy in the 50's. He made Nancy Sinatra famous. He is credited as the author of what is generally acknowledged to be the first country-rock album, The International Submarine Band's Safe At Home. And, with "Some Velvet Morning," he wrote the most haunting drug song ever recorded. Umm...that is...if you're into that kind of thing...(ahem)...ANYWAY....

There is an authenticity to Lee Hazlewood that you're not going to find in a lot of artists today. With respect to the business of music, he did exactly what he wanted when he wanted to do it. He didn't let the business chew him up and spit him out. He could have been a superstar. Instead, he settled for cult figure, with no regrets. He is one of those great mysterious figures of rock and roll. The fact that he is not in the Hall of Fame is a travesty.

Sonic Youth's Steve Shelley has reissued a number of Hazlewood's albums and a decent tribute album came out in 2002 on Astralwerks.

Lee Hazlewood is going to die this year. Get thee to a record store immediately!

Comments (2)

Thanks for mentioning one of the greats, Lee Hazlewood. He really has added so much to the soundtrack of our lives. On this new album, Cake or Death, he is joined by his old friend, Duane Eddy, who plays his twangy guitar on a new version of These Boots Are Made for Walkin'.

It should be noted, and Lee would want you to, that the album Safe At Home, by The International Submarine Band (featuring Gram Parsons), was produced by Suzi Jane Hokum and released on LHI Records, the label owned by Mr. Hazlewood.

Posted by bobbi brown | January 29, 2007 2:29 PM

This was a really great post.

Posted by Mac Wilson | January 31, 2007 4:26 PM

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