Sadly, country music legend Merle Haggard passed away at age 79 on April 6 – which is also his birthday. The singer, songwriter, guitarist, fiddler and instrumentalist impacted the country music scene like no other. His high honors include a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a Kennedy Center Honor and a BMI Icon Award. Furthermore, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the 70’s and the Country Music Hall of Fame in the 90’s. Haggard was true to himself and his roots, which is evident in his music. The icon even was in the San Quentin Prison during one point, and was there when fellow legend, Johnny Cash, performed at the prison in 1958 – which led to him being inspired to the point that he joined the prison’s country music band. Ronald Reagan granted him an unconditional pardon for his past crimes in 1972, because Haggard is a good example of how to turn your life around. Many of the top artists in the country genre have commented that Haggard is one of their main influencers. Even country superstar, Miranda Lambert, has performed Haggard covers during her concerts.
Numerous country artists have been paying their respect to him over social media. Jake Owen even performed a Merle Haggard tribute from his kitchen. That’s right, it was a 25 minute long video performing covers of Merle Haggard’s best hits. The country singer’s songs can be heard in a variety of movies, such as ‘The Strangers’ among others.
Haggard has had too many hits to count, but I have compiled the 10 best Merle Haggard songs that you need to listen to in his honor:
1. Mama Tried:
2. The Bottle Let Me Down:
3. Hungry Eyes:
4. Fightin’ Side Of Me:
5. Workin’ Man Blues:
6. Sing Me Back Home:
7. Branded Man:
8. I’m A Lonesome Fugitive:
9. Silver Wings:
10. The Way I Am: