Introduction:
“Always Late (With Your Kisses)” is a classic country song co-written and originally recorded by Lefty Frizzell in 1951. Born William Orville Frizzell in 1928 in Corsicana, Texas, Lefty Frizzell became one of the most influential honky-tonk singers of his time, shaping the sound of country music in the 1950s.
Frizzell’s career took off with his debut single, “If You’ve Got the Money (I’ve Got the Time),” in 1950, which showcased his distinctive vocal style characterized by smooth, drawn-out phrasing. This style set him apart from his contemporaries and earned him widespread acclaim. “Always Late (With Your Kisses)” was released as a single in July 1951 and became his fourth number-one hit on the Billboard country charts that year.
The song’s success contributed to Frizzell’s debut album, “Listen to Lefty,” released in 1952. This album compiled many of his hit singles from 1950 to 1952, including “If You’ve Got the Money (I’ve Got the Time)” and “I Love You a Thousand Ways.”
Over the years, “Always Late (With Your Kisses)” has been covered by several artists, reflecting its enduring appeal. Notably, country artist Dwight Yoakam included his rendition of the song on his 1987 album “Hillbilly Deluxe.” Yoakam’s version was released as a single in February 1988 and reached number nine on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number five on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
Yoakam’s “Hillbilly Deluxe” album was significant in his career, featuring other successful singles like “Little Ways” and “Please, Please Baby.” His cover of “Always Late (With Your Kisses)” paid homage to Frizzell’s influence on his music and introduced the classic to a new generation of country music fans.
The song’s enduring popularity lies in its relatable theme of longing and heartache, common in country music, and its memorable melody. Both Frizzell’s original and Yoakam’s cover showcase the song’s timeless quality, cementing its place in the country music canon.