This day in 1975 the warm summer sunshine took on an air of sadness when the news was announced that Country Music Hall of Fame member Lefty Frizzell had passed away. Lefty was a trendsetter in Nashville. He had a flair for the honky tonk fabulous and his hits became standards by which other performers would be judged.

Among those country giants that list Lefty Frizzell as an influence in their musical career are George Jones, Willie Nelson, George Strait and Randy Travis. Lefty's life mirrored the songs he sang. He was blessed with an enormous amount of talent, with that talent came the demons of alcohol. This led to what some might describe as poor career choices, still Lefty rose above his own missteps to become one of the most revered performers and songwriters in music city.

It was on this day in 1975 that he suffered and died from a massive stroke. When he passed away Lefty Frizzell had left his mark on the country music charts with several number one songs, a string of top ten hits and a litany of performers who wanted to follow in his footsteps.

Here are some of our favorite Lefty Frizzell tunes.

If You've Got The Money:

 

Saginaw Michigan:

 

You Win Again:

 

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