Well, 2016 is turning out to be a horrible year for losing musicians. Country legend Merle Haggard passed away today on his 79th birthday.New York Times Obit
With 38 #1 hits, Haggard was a legend. He helped define the Bakersfield sound at a time when all country music came from Nashville. He also helped popularize the Outlaw Country movement. Haggard, himself a small time criminal before his recording days, was influenced by Johnny Cash’s visit to San Quentin in 1958. Haggard was a guest of the institution at this time.
Haggard, who died of pneumonia, had been making plans to tour with Willie Nelson . The two had recorded an album in the last year.
I got this early “Best of” compilation for a dollar. This was and probably still is on the jukebox at Big Star Bar as well as many others. In tribute to Haggard, here is my favorite song of his, which is somewhat biographical regarding his time in the pokey, “Mama Tried”.
RIP, Merle Haggard, one of the last of the true country legends.