Jukebox Upchuck #18

Lee Hazlewood, whose songs are crucial to my way of life, is dying of cancer in his late '70s. Born a Dust Bowl Okie, Lee's reputation was earned as a producer/songwriter for such olden stars as Duane Eddy and Nancy Sinatra. While that rep is justified, it's caused many to overlook his own catalog of records. Over the course of 40-plus years, he's released a surprisingly small number of albums, taking off the bulk of the '80s and '90s. But the few songs he has recorded are simply spectacular. Lee belongs in consideration with all the great country-rock artists we normally discuss -- from Cash to Willie to Townes to Parsons. Two weeks ago he released what may well be his swan song, Cake or Death. Here's a sneak peak at his catalog.

Lee Hazlewood – "Long Black Train"(from 1963's Trouble Is a Lonesome Town)

Lee Hazlewood & Nancy Sinatra – "Some Velvet Morning" (from 1968's Nancy and Lee)
Lee Hazlewood – "I'll Live Yesterdays"(from 1971's Requiem for an Almost Lady)
Lee Hazlewood – "It's Nothing to Me" (from 2007's Cake or Death)

Bonus video: Lee Hazlewood – "No Train to Stockholm" (from 1970's Cowboy in Sweden)