As featured in DEADLINE, Extrovert Entertainment, under the creative direction of Emmy-award-winning director/producer, M. Douglas Silverstein, today announced signing a deal to produce a major documentary and a biopic on country music legend, singer/songwriter Lefty Frizzell.
“We are so excited and honored to be working as a family to make these films happen,” says Marlon Frizzell, son of Lefty Frizzell. “Lefty was one of the most influential singers you’ve never really heard of unless you were a hardcore country music fan. However, his music reached so many and influenced so many outside of the country genre, including Elvis and Roy Orbison.”
Lefty’s recording career in the national spotlight lasted only twenty-five years, producing a total of 39 Top 100 songs and six #1 hits on the Billboard charts, yet few artists can match the long shadow of influence cast by Lefty Frizzell. His major hits included “I Love You A Thousand Ways,” “Always Late,” “Long Black Veil,” “That’s The Way Love Goes” “If You’ve Got The Money” I’ve Got The Time,” “Mom & Dad’s Waltz,” and “Saginaw Michigan.”
“Lefty is often referred to as the original Elvis, from the way he moved on stage, his legendary stage clothes, and how his good looks and voice made women swoon but beyond his talent is a fascinating story worthy of both a documentary and biopic,” said M. Douglas Silverstein. “I’m thrilled to be working directly with the Frizzells’ to show the world the full legacy of Lefty Frizzell from the man, the many myths, and the wonderful music he created!”
Passing at the young age of 47, on July 19, 1975, Lefty had created a legacy of stylistic influence on a new generation of music industry greats to come. His traditional country roots and unique vocal styling was imprinted on a legion of hitmakers who openly credit Lefty Frizzell as their inspiration – a list that includes Merle Haggard, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Randy Travis, Keith Whitley, John Fogerty, and Willie Nelson who recorded a whole album of Lefty songs out of respect to his hero.
Lefty became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in July of 1951. He has been posthumously honored with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.
In the forward of the book, ‘I Love You A Thousand Ways,’ written by younger brother, David Frizzell, Merle Haggard wrote: “The impact Lefty had on country music is not even measurable. No one could handle a song like Lefty. He would hold on to each note and on each word until he finally decided to drop it and pick up the next one. Most of us learned to sing listening to him.” Also as Loretta Lynn states, “He will always be one of the greatest country singers who ever lived.”
“It has been my goal for a long time to get brother Lefty’s story documented on the big screen,” says David Frizzell. “Now, with the help of M. and all the great people behind the camera, we are finally going to get to make this a reality.”
The new Frizzell film production will be captured through the creative lens of M. Douglas Silverstein, the production/direction energy behind many multi-award-winning projects including globally broadcast live concerts, documentaries, commercials, and special productions for TV, and film. He has produced live concerts for clients as diverse as Green Day, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the United Nations. He has done high-profile national branding productions, including Madonna, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland. His documentary credits include Paul McCartney, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Willie Nelson, Foo Fighters, Duran Duran, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Through his Extrovert Entertainment production house, Fortune 500 production projects have included Google, Best Buy, Verizon, LG, AT&T, Microsoft, Mazda, and Dodge.
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Producers are seeking archival video footage, photos, and news stories involving Lefty Frizzell. Anyone with such materials can email [email protected].
