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.
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  • wildtony40

    merle get set for his next tour.he feel great for more go to his webpage.

    14 days ago
  • Rooster____

    http://www.last.fm/group/Outlaw+Country

    last month
  • VK1990

    Workin' Man Blues

    last month
  • wildtony40

    do to pneumonia Merle call off show in Ga.

    last month
  • ZOMBIESTEVEARG

    Grew up on this shit.

    last month
  • Unknownrooster

    he's too good

    December 2011
  • shaunaitcheson

    LEGEND

    October 2011
  • P-M-C-Radio

    Merle Haggard was played on Plymouth Music Collective Radio this week. Have a listen at http://pmc-radio.tumblr.com/

    October 2011
  • kaiserzeitgeist

    Don't nobody forget, the young Merle Haggard was genuine (jen-you-wine) badass.

    September 2011
  • Druid66

    If anyone was literally saved by country music, it was old Merle. I dig that Bakersfield sound, it's got so much more oomph than Nashville stuff does.

    September 2011
  • traqua89

    Starting the day at work with Okie From Muskogee :) too bad there is sunshine outside my office window, would rather be sitting in my car listening to Haggard, on my way to the beach or whatever

    August 2011
  • xKornflakesx

    well I was lonelier than kunta kinte at a Merle Haggard concert

    August 2011
  • titefeeclochett

    super

    March 2011
  • hagfanforlife

    by the way hag i can play and sing everthing you ever wrote from the heart. you are like faily at my house

    January 2011
  • hagfanforlife

    i was 4years old when hag first sang me to sleep. thats my only memory at4 amazing the impression it left. i have been to 30 of his shows. each time i see are hear him sing i am in awe.you are my hero hag! thank you for 41 years of your music. truly the best singer in the world!!!

    January 2011
  • davidgeorgea

    I love merl Haggart ,I once had to share an LP of his with my sister in Law who ended up keeping it . Sad !

    October 2010
  • JoshCIVM

    My favorite thing about Hag is that he's still alive. In an age where everyone I love is dying, being alive is a major accomplishment.

    October 2010
  • reekygeorge

    nobody gonna fill his shoes

    October 2010
  • Moarrrrrrrrrrrr

    No reason to quit <3

    September 2010
  • SSprayscotland

    MERLE IS THE GREATEST

    August 2010
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Classic Country Album sale at Amie Street

19 Feb 2010 | from blog.myspace.com/merlehaggard

Check out Amie Street this week for a limited time offer on Classic Country Albums from the likes of Johnny Cash, John Denver, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and more for just $4.99!  Run Dates: 2/19...

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