Cody Jinks, a former heavy metal artist who found his niche in country music, is deeply influenced by the legendary Lefty Frizzell. His love for Frizzell's music started early, with "Long Black Veil" being the first song he learned on guitar. His father's passion for Frizzell's tunes passed on to him, shaping his musical lineage and inspiring him to trace back to the formative era of country music.

Lefty Frizzell's Enduring Influence

Aside from Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell wields significant influence in the country music realm. His songs have set a standard for what good country music should sound like. Cody Jinks and his team, including Joshua Thompson (bass) and Drew Harakal (keys) of Cody's Tonedeaf Hippies, aimed to evoke the early 1950s era when Frizzell's powers were at their peak. They used old gear to capture those vintage tones and took a simple approach to recording, focusing more on authenticity than perfection. Austin "Hot Rod" Tripp's steel guitar playing truly evokes the 1950s era with his licks. 1: Many of Frizzell's popular songs were not originally written by him, yet he made them his own. For example, "Saginaw, Michigan" was written by Bill Anderson. This shows the varied and elongated influence of Lefty Frizzell. Cody Jinks knows he can't do a Lefty Frizzell tune better than Lefty himself, but he turns in great performances like on his rendition of "Always Late (With Your Kisses)." 2: This tribute album is not about interpreting Frizzell's songs into a more original style but about paying those influences forward. It pulls the curtain back to expose the bones behind Cody's sound and songs and pays homage to a past country music great. Some may wish for more songs on the album, but the fact that Cody Jinks is releasing a Lefty Frizzell tribute album in the first place is a gift. 1: Cody Jinks Sings Lefty Frizzell is lovingly and respectfully produced and presented. It helps keep the early artists and influences of country music alive. Through this album, fans get a chance to explore the roots of country music and understand how it has evolved over time. 2: Lefty Frizzell's contribution to country music is undeniable. His songs have touched the hearts of generations and continue to inspire artists like Cody Jinks. This tribute is a testament to his lasting legacy and the importance of preserving the history of country music.