On Lee Hazlewood’s 72nd birthday in 2001, the legendary singer, songwriter, and producer performed at a party at The Rhythm Room. The night’s curator was Arizona music historian and legendary DJ John “Johnny D” Dixon, who recently assisted the independent label Light In The Attic in compiling a collection of Hazlewood’s earliest demos titled 400 Miles From L.A. 1955-1956.
“That early time was not successful,” says Dixon, recalling the interview he had with the “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” writer included in the release. “So he wasn’t glossing over what a wonderful time it was when he was pitching the songs and taking the Greyhound bus over to L.A. and getting turned down. That to me has always been the most fascinating thing of the whole Lee Hazlewood story, that he continued to be turned down by all these people.”