Singer, composer. producer Lee Hazelwood died Monday from cancer. He was 78. Hazelwood appeared in 4 movies: THE SWEET RIDE (uncredited), THE MOONSHINE WAR, (1970, with Patrick McGoohan, Richard Widmark, and Alan Alda) and two films he co-wrote made in Sweden, SMOKE (1971) and Ma vart hus forskonas fran tigrar (1975). Movie related songs he wrote include "Sweet Ride","Tony Rome" and "The Last of the Secret Agents". I think most people will remember him, though, for his collaborations with Nancy Sinatra, writing and producing "These Boots Are Made For Walking'" (which has been used in at least 11 films over the years) and performing duets on songs such as "Some Velvet Morning", "Summer Wine", "Sand" and my fave for a long time, a rendition of "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" where he sounds like he's trying to reach Sensurround levels with his singing. The baritone Hazelwood and the lighter Sinatra make an interesting twosome, as neither has the range to overwhelm the other, the result of which sometimes sounds like the devil trading barbs with a angel. Unfortunately I have to admit I've never heard any of Mr. Hazelwood's solo albums. But I will continue to occasionally put on and enjoy Lee and Nancy.
Hazelwood was the subject of a few newspaper articles recently, touching on the subject of his illness but celebrating his interesting life and career. I'm sad to hear this. All I can think to say is...
"Hey Cowboy" I'll never forget watching that hour-long special starring Nancy and Lee on NBC when I was a kiddie. She was so untalented, and he was so rough around the edges. I know Frank Sinatra himself got them together so he could help with Nancy's "career," but I wonder if he was having his way with her.
| QUOTE (Bob Gutowski @ Aug 9 2007, 11:20 AM) |
| I wonder if he was having his way with her. |
Both Lee & Nancy claimed that was not the case. Sexual tension, yes, but nothing more.