Died today. 79 years old. Died on his birthday.

RIP to the Hag. An absolute legend of country music.

Ugh. Now I've got the working man's blues. Just about all the good ones are gone.

So glad I was able to see him in concert years ago at Bonnaroo. A true legend. RIP

 

My favorite Merle Haggard song, Fightin' Side of Me

Another one of my favorites, Mama Tried

 

Merle Haggard's son just posted this on Facebook:

 

A week ago dad told us he was gonna pass on his birthday, and he wasn't wrong. A hour ago he took his last breath surrounded by family and friends. He loved everything about life and he loved that everyone of you gave him a chance with his music. He wasn't just a country singer.. He was the best country singer that ever lived. - Ben Haggard

Damn...

A shame. Seemed like a guy that you could drink a beer with.

So glad I was able to see him in concert years ago at Bonnaroo. A true legend. RIP

 

Me too. Glad I got the chance.

Got to see him about 15 years ago at Belterra. Outstanding show and one I'm glad I could add to my list.

 

I feel like I want to drink a lot tonight and spin old Merle records.

It's too nice to be inside, so I'm on the back porch spinning his 1994 box set, "Down Every Road."

One of the greatest that ever lived.

 

Would go see him every chance I got.

 

He had 38 songs reach #1.

It's all going to pot

Haggard had one of the most unique and soulful voices in music history. You could feel his pain and on rare occasion joy in every word he sang.

 

In 1958 Johnny Cash played his first Prison concert at San Quentin, a 20 year old Merle Haggard was in the crowd serving a 15 year sentence. He was released 2 years into that sentence and turned to a career in music.