Lee Hazelwood, the former disc jockey, turned producer and songwriter has died at age 78. He switched gears from being a DJ to record producer when he discovered a singer by the name of Sandford Clark, and together they had a Top Ten hit with The Fool. He later began a long association with Rock & Roll's all-time #1 instrumentalist, guitar legend Duane Eddy, and they wrote and produced such classics as Rebel Rouser and Because They're Young.
His biggest claim to fame was when he took over the development of the music career of Nancy Sinatra. He wrote many of her hits including These Boots Are Made For Walkin' and Sugar Town. He will also be remembered for his duets with Nancy Sinatra: Some Velvet Morning, Summer Wine, and Jackson.
Here's more from United Press International.
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Lee Hazelwood, who wrote the Nancy Sinatra smash "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'," has died of cancer in Las Vegas. He was 78.
Hazelwood, who died Saturday, has been credited with much of the success Sinatra enjoyed in her career, NME.com reported Monday. He wrote and produced nine albums for her.
Hazelwood, born in Oklahoma, began his musical career in Arizona as a DJ in 1953.
Ten years later, he released a solo album, "Trouble Is A Lonesome Town."
After living out of the public eye in Sweden, Hazelwood began releasing more records in the 1970s, including the legendary "Cowboy In Sweden." By the 1990s his solo work developed a cult following.
His last solo album, "Cake Or Death," was released last year.
Hazelwood is survived by his wife Jeane, one son, Mark; and two daughters, Debbie and Samantha.
Join me this week on Treasure Island Oldies for a tribute to Lee Hazelwood in Hour 4.
