Bass Player & Writer of “Long Tall Texan” Henry Strzelecki Passes Away
Tragic news out of Nashville where where prolific and beloved bass player Henry Strzelecki has passed away after being struck by a vehicle while out for a walk Monday, December 22nd. Strzelecki experienced severe injuries including major head trauma in the accident, and was in a coma over the holidays. He eventually passed away from the injuries on December 30th.
“Needless to say, this Christmas has brought a new perspective for our family,” said Henry’s niece Heather Barnes, speaking for the family. “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what present you got, or how the turkey tastes, it matters who you’re with. Look around at your loved ones and appreciate them for who they are. They are the best presents you’ll ever get.”
Henry Strzelecki was an elite bass player in country music, playing in Hee Haw’s “Million Dollar Band,” the “Nashville Superpickers,” and over his storied career, playing bass for Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Loretta Lynn, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Jim Reeves, Boxcar Willie, George Strait, Elvis, Charlie Rich, and many more. Some noted studio sessions that involved Henry Strzelecki include Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde, and Roy Orbison’s iconic song “Pretty Woman.” Strzelecki also played on the very last recording session with Louis Armstrong in Nashville produced by “Cowboy” Jack Clement.
Strzelecki was originally from Birmingham, Alabama, graduated from Jones Valley High School in 1958, and began playing country music in his teen years, recording with Baker Knight on Decca Records and playing in a group called The Four Flickers with his brother Larry. He also had a publishing and production company in Nashville and was nominated for Bassman of the Year at the 23rd Academy of Country Music Awards.
But the most identifiable contribution by Henry Strzelecki might have not involved his bass playing, but his songwriting. Strzelecki was the songwriter for the novelty song “Long Tall Texan,” first performed by The Four Flickers in 1959, and later recorded and released by artists such as The Beach Boys, Lyle Lovett, and many more. The catchy comedy tune has been tickling funny bones for over 50 years, and promises to continue to do so for years to come.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held for Henry on January 17th at 2 PM at the Pennington United Methodist Church in Nashville.
RIP Henry Strzelecki
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Singing with Jim Reeves
Henry Strzelecki’s “Long Tall Texan”
January 1, 2015 @ 10:43 am
Prayers for his family!
January 17, 2015 @ 4:46 pm
thank you for all of your prayers.
January 1, 2015 @ 11:33 am
RIP Henry. 🙁
January 17, 2015 @ 4:51 pm
Thank you and your website for remembering my dear old dad. thats what he called himself. i sure am missing him. from ruthie strzelecki
January 19, 2022 @ 5:54 pm
Ruthie, I learned about your father while researching “Long Tall Texan,” which I know from the Beach Boys cover of it that I owned as a kid. Your father had an amazing career as a session musician. I’d love to interview you about him for my pop music blog, “2 or 3 Lines” – if you’re interested, please contact me at 2or3lines@gmail.com.
January 1, 2015 @ 11:43 am
awful news.
Long Tall Texan is probably one of the most played live tunes in modern history.
January 17, 2015 @ 4:50 pm
hi mark. you are right about the texan. there are 9400 covers of it just on youtube. he wrote this way back about 1960. thanks for your comment.
September 12, 2020 @ 9:10 am
It can’t be because there isn’t even an article about it on Wikipedia. I wanted to search for it to find the writer and there is none…
January 1, 2015 @ 8:41 pm
You can see Henry on some Jerry Lee Lewis videos on You Tube. Always has a smile and a rather bemused look on his face when watching some of the Killer’s antics.
January 2, 2015 @ 6:06 am
I knew him for playing with D.A.C. and for his Polish surname.
January 2, 2015 @ 7:52 pm
RIP Henry! What a good, sweet person you always were. You will be missed.
January 3, 2015 @ 1:37 pm
Thanks for the tribute. Our family is so sad, but so proud of him. He had an amazing life.
January 17, 2015 @ 4:47 pm
thanks heather for all your help with things.
January 3, 2015 @ 1:47 pm
Very accomplished. I’m so proud of all he contributed to the music world. But the thing I love most is his heart, spirit and unboundless love. He can never be replaced. I loved him all my life, but the last few years were magical. Rest with the angels sweetheart, until we are together again.
January 17, 2015 @ 4:48 pm
thanks marsha so much for being there.
January 3, 2015 @ 3:06 pm
I started 1st grade with Henry in Birmingham, AL. We had no idea what a music gift he possessed. Will miss his Facebook posts. Peace to my Pal.
January 7, 2015 @ 2:34 pm
Fond memories of Henry ,Larry & sister Pat . When my family moved to Birmingham (Midfield) when I was a teen They lived near us, …many fond memories of times spent with them. RIP my friend.
January 10, 2015 @ 6:45 pm
Miss you Henry. We became close over the last few years. Now you’re up there with dad playing in that Big band in the sky. R.I.P. my dear friend. What a tragic loss!
February 28, 2015 @ 12:01 am
I wanted to convey my deepest condolences to you and the entire Strzelecki family. Such a sweet and funny guy!