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Merle Haggard
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Merle Ronald Haggard, born April 6, 1937 in Bakersfield, California is an American country music singer and songwriter. He has become one of the true giants of country music, and along with Buck Owens helped create the Bakersfield Sound, which is characterized by the unique twang of Telecaster guitars, harmonies, and a rough edge not heard on the more polished Nashville recordings of the time. After spending his early life drifting in and out of jail Merle attended three of Johnny Cash’s concerts at San Quentin Prison. Seeing Cash perform inspired Haggard to straighten up and pursue his singing career.
Perhaps Merle came to prominence to many in 1966 with ‘Swinging Doors’ and ‘The Bottle Let Me Down’. Although not his first hits, they were among three hits he had that year in the Top Ten. Later hits followed, including ‘Branded Man’, ‘I Threw Away the Rose’, ‘Mama Tried’, ‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, ‘Working Man Blues’, ‘The Fightin’ Side of Me’, ‘Okie from Muskogee’ and ‘If We Make It Through December’. The last two songs seem also to have had a major impact in America. The former song spoke particularly to political conservatives and to military folk. It perhaps also spoke to majority anti-hippy feelings at the time. The latter song’s effect in 1975 is described below.
Merle Haggard was pardoned in 1972 by California Governer Reagan for his past crimes. “If We Make It Through December” was a classic song that really touched the depth of the poverty of some in recession times. In 2005 he released “Chicago Wind” which included an anti Iraq war song.
Perhaps Merle came to prominence to many in 1966 with ‘Swinging Doors’ and ‘The Bottle Let Me Down’. Although not his first hits, they were among three hits he had that year in the Top Ten. Later hits followed, including ‘Branded Man’, ‘I Threw Away the Rose’, ‘Mama Tried’, ‘Today I Started Loving You Again’, ‘Working Man Blues’, ‘The Fightin’ Side of Me’, ‘Okie from Muskogee’ and ‘If We Make It Through December’. The last two songs seem also to have had a major impact in America. The former song spoke particularly to political conservatives and to military folk. It perhaps also spoke to majority anti-hippy feelings at the time. The latter song’s effect in 1975 is described below.
Merle Haggard was pardoned in 1972 by California Governer Reagan for his past crimes. “If We Make It Through December” was a classic song that really touched the depth of the poverty of some in recession times. In 2005 he released “Chicago Wind” which included an anti Iraq war song.
Top Albums
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Mama Tried
Merle Haggard
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Untamed Hawk
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40 #1 Hits
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Live: The Hits And More
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Top Tracks
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Mama Tried
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Okie From Muskogee
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Always Wanting You
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Sing Me Back Home
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Workin' Man Blues
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Branded Man
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I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink
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The Bottle Let Me Down
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If We Make It Through December
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The Fightin' Side Of Me
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Big City
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I'm a Lonesome Fugitive
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Today I Started Loving You Again
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Silver Wings
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Hungry Eyes
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Shoutbox
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marcelodylan wrote:
BAKERSFIELD SOUND MAN, THAT'S COOL MAN, ABRASS FIK DIK BJOSMELIGUEM KISSESCALLME
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babydoll11 wrote:
Merle your the greatest
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TheHagMan wrote:
He is just the Master - The Poet of the Common Man - I don't think there is anyone better. My favourite artist - The Hagman
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dmitri66 wrote:
Numero uno.
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SweetMelissa12 wrote:
Just saw him live tonight!! I was completely stoked, and he was awesome!!
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harleyoil wrote:
Haggard hell yea!!!
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nolteCOD wrote:
Hell yeah!
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freeinmusic wrote:
the best. he number one,
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SweetMelissa12 wrote:
Feel free to check out the Country Artist of the Week group and join if you like ;-)
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judar wrote:
GREAT SONG
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Leuchtenburg1 wrote:
A beautiful song...
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dorish wrote:
Love him!
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msradioheadtx wrote:
Saw him a few years back in Austin at Stubb's. One of the greats.
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Tyrano wrote:
I saw him open for Bob Dylan a few years ago, but now hopefully I'll get to see him again at Roo 09
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deegan78 wrote:
It looks like Merle is indeed playing Bonnaroo this year. If you are thinking of going this year , then you might want to check out this message board: http://www.inforoo.com
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geemo19 wrote:
See you at Bonnaroo, Merle.
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ajlmoody wrote:
Merle Haggard = Better looking Billy Bob Thornton. Only physically, of course!
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Julian-Thome wrote:
Check out
Never give up blues, 44 blues
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PleasantRidge wrote:
I highly recommend "The Blue Grass Sessions". The CD was released in the last few months.
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trackaghost wrote:
Amazing singer and songwriter. A true legend indeed.
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MollyJustMight, mikeyboy29, 12holden and 4 other people added Merle Haggard to their libraries. 3 hours ago
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kwako tagged Merle Haggard with american and country. yesterday afternoon
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CrybKeeper tagged Merle Haggard with outlaw country and classic country. Tuesday evening
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Country from the 50s & 60s
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