Song:You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma
Album:The Very Best Of David Frizzell & Shelly West
Though David Frizzell & Shelly West both had success as solo artists, their main success was as a duo. Both struggled as solo artists before You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma was a number one country hit in 1981. Until then they lived in the shadow of legendary relatives. David Frizzell was born Sept. 26, 1941 in El Dorado, AR and is the younger brother of country music legend Lefty Frizzell. He toured with his brother in the 60s and attempted to establish himself as a solo artist starting in 1970. He was a regular on Buck Owens' All American TV Show. Shelly West was born May 23, 1958 in Cleveland the daughter of country music star Dottie West. She started out touring with her mom and moved to California in 1977. She married her mom's guitarist Allen Frizzell who of course is David Frizzell's brother. Shelly and David started singing together and got the attention of veteran producer Snuff Garrett. He signed them to Casablanca West, an offshoot of Casablanca Records. But the label closed. So Garrett took You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma to Clint Eastwood. Eastwood was starting his new Viva label with Warner Bros. distribution and he was looking for songs for the 1981 film Any Which Way You Can. Eastwood signed them and put the song in the film. You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma topped the country music charts and Frizzell & West won ACM Duo Of The Year twice. You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma was written by the legendary songwriting team of Felice and Bordleaux Bryant along with Larry Collins and Sandy Pinkard. The Bryants have written many songs including Bye Bye Love for The Everly Brothers. Larry Collins was a teen guitar whiz in the 50s as a member of The Collins Kids. Sandy Pinkard is one half of the comedy duo Pinkard & Bowden. David Frizzell had a number one solo country hit with I'm Gonna Hire A Wino To Decorate Our Home in 1982. Shelly West had a number one solo country hit with Jose Cuervo in 1983. But they are mainly known as a duo and you can get all their hits on this comp from Varese Fontana. Beware of re-recorded versions. These are the original recordings. David Frizzell still tours and is producing a TV tribute to his brother Lefty. Shelly West retired from music after her mom died. She has been on several episodes of RFD-TV's Country Family Reunion. The two have reunited occasionally and are planning a show in Branson this fall. Here's David Frizzell & Shelly West performing You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma on Austin City Limits early 80s.
Thanks, Frank, for honoring this timeless tune! David is releasing a powerful new ballad this Spring. "Say Hello To Heaven" (written by Buddy Hyatt) will be used to raise awareness for MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The Frizzell's lost David's niece in a wreck with a drunk driver and MADD was very supportive. This is David's year of giving back.
ReplyDelete