Remembering Faron Young: The Father of Country Music's Most Influential Son

Faron Young, a country music legend, left an indelible mark on the genre during his six-decade-long career. With a voice that could soothe the savage beast and a style that blended traditional country with modern flair, Young has inspired countless artists, including some of the biggest names in the industry. As the father of country music's most influential son, Young's legacy continues to captivate audiences and shape the sound of country music today.

Born on February 12, 1932, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Faron Young grew up surrounded by the rich musical heritage of the American heartland. His love affair with music began at a young age, and by the time he was 14, Young was already performing on local radio stations and recording his own music. After serving in the US Air Force, Young began his professional music career in the late 1950s, quickly establishing himself as a talented singer and songwriter.

Young's breakthrough came in 1958 with the release of his hit single "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young," a song that has become a country music classic. The song's success was swift and decisive, propelling Young to the top of the country music charts and establishing him as a major force in the genre. Over the next several decades, Young would go on to release numerous hit singles, including "Burchfield Turnpike," "Lovesick Blues," and "Call Me the Breeze."

Young's impact on country music cannot be overstated. A pioneer of the Outlaw Country movement, Young's music reflected his own unique blend of traditional country and rockabilly influences. His unapologetic style and fearless approach to songwriting have influenced artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash, all of whom have cited Young as a major inspiration.

Early Life and Career

Faron Young's early life was marked by both hardship and talent. Growing up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Young faced significant challenges, including poverty and personal tragedy. Despite these challenges, Young's love of music remained a constant source of comfort and inspiration. After serving in the US Air Force, Young began his professional music career in the late 1950s, quickly establishing himself as a talented singer and songwriter.

Young's big break came in 1958 with the release of his hit single "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young." The song's success was swift and decisive, propelling Young to the top of the country music charts and establishing him as a major force in the genre. Over the next several decades, Young would go on to release numerous hit singles, including "Burchfield Turnpike," "Lovesick Blues," and "Call Me the Breeze."

Major Hits and Awards

Faron Young's extensive catalog includes some of the most beloved and enduring songs in country music history. In addition to "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young," Young's other major hits include:

• "Burchfield Turnpike" (1964)
• "Lovesick Blues" (1963)
• "Call Me the Breeze" (1964)
• "Rockin' Rodeo" (1967)
• "Sweet Music" (1973)

Young's success was not limited to his music alone. He was also a respected songwriter and producer, and his music has been covered by countless other artists. In 1965, Young was awarded the ACM's Male Vocalist of the Year award, a testament to his enduring popularity and influence.

Collaborations and Influences

Faron Young's collaborations with other artists helped shape the sound of country music in the 1960s and 1970s. Some of his most notable collaborations include:

• With Johnny Cash on "The Little Lady of Fawnburn" (1967)
• With Willie Nelson on "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" (1975)
• With Dolly Parton on "Kissing in the Moonlight" (1975)

Young's influence can be heard in the music of many other artists, including:

• Willie Nelson
• Waylon Jennings
• Johnny Cash
• Dolly Parton
• Tim McGraw

Later Life and Legacy

Despite his significant influence on country music, Faron Young's personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. In the 1970s, Young struggled with addiction and personal demons, which led to a decline in his music career. However, in the 1990s, Young experienced a creative resurgence, releasing several critically-acclaimed albums and touring with his band.

Young's legacy continues to be celebrated today, with many of his songs remaining staples of country music playlists. In 2009, Young was posthumously inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring influence on the state's rich musical heritage.

Re-releases and Tributes

In recent years, Young's music has been re-released on several labels, including Capitol Records and Rhombus Records. These re-releases have introduced Young's music to a new generation of fans, helping to solidify his legacy as one of country music's most influential artists.

Tributes to Faron Young have also been numerous. In 2015, the Rhombus Records label released a comprehensive boxed set of Young's music, featuring 18 of his studio albums. The set was accompanied by a 160-page book, featuring rare photos and memorabilia from Young's career.

Impact on Country Music

Faron Young's impact on country music cannot be overstated. As a pioneer of the Outlaw Country movement, Young's music reflected his own unique blend of traditional country and rockabilly influences. His unapologetic style and fearless approach to songwriting have influenced artists such as Willie